Buddy Saxon

Willard Judson “Buddy” Saxon Jr died August 2, 2018 at his home in Ridgeland, SC with his wife at his side.  He was stricken with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s for approximately seven years before death and had been under Hospice Care for the last month.  He was 74 years young.

Buddy, as he was always lovingly called, was born on December 20, 1943 in the Ridgeland Hospital and was the son of Willard J. and Mildred Cooler Saxon.  He grew up mainly in Ridgeland, Charleston, and at Delta Plantation in Hardeeville, SC, where his maternal grandparents were caretakers for approximately 30 years.  His childhood was spent doing things that young boys like best – hunting, fishing, and riding horses.  He learned to love nature, animals, and the waters of the beautiful coastal areas he roamed.

He graduated from Chicora High School in Charleston and immediately started to learn the construction trade from his paternal side of the family.  He mainly worked with his father and uncles building homes and small commercial buildings in the local areas and learning the industry.  After his marriage, he took a few breaks and tried his hand at building furniture for Wayneline Furniture before the operation was closed in Ridgeland, then became a route salesman and supervisor for Farmbest Dairies in Charleston, and also selling insurance for Combined Insurance Companies.

Later he took a position with MAJ. Enterprises Inc on Hilton Head Island as a construction supervisor and remained for over 20 years. After leaving this area, he formed a landscape business in Sun City until his health forced him to retire.

He will always be remembered as a kind, quiet and unassuming man who never spoke ill of anyone.  His personal convictions and friendships were held closely in his heart.

Buddy’s favorite hobby in adulthood turned out not to be hunting and fishing but golfing.  He played everywhere he could and as much as he could during his lifetime and participated in many tournaments.  Most of his closest friendships were made on the golf course and carried throughout his lifetime.  He cherished every minute he could and carried on until he could no longer swing his clubs.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Glennie, of 54 years; his son, Jay (Jodi); his grandson, Jayson (Lauren); his granddaughter, Jessamy, and his great grandson, Grayson, all of Statesboro, GA.  In addition, he is survived by his only sister, Judy O’Keefe, of Ridgeland; sisters and brothers in law, who loved him as a brother; and many nieces, nephews and cousins all who still refer to him as “Uncle Buddy” or “Uncle Booge”.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 PM, on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Vaigneur Funeral Home, 6802 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, on Monday, August 6, 2018 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 917 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, SC. Burial will follow in Sardis Cemetery, Ridgeland, SC

Memorial donations may be made to Sergeant Jasper Country Club, P.O. Box 519, Ridgeland, SC  29936 or Agapè Hospice Foundation, Attn: Paulette Wingard, 113 E. Washington St., Walterboro, SC  29488.

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