Obituary

William L "Buddy" Walton

79 years old, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at Summit Hospital.

Buddy was preceded in death by parents, W.E. and Gladys Walton; and sister, Sandra Walton.

He is survived by wife, Mary Beth Walton  (nee Heyboer) of 55 years. Sons are Chris Walton, Jeremy Walton (and Jenny), and Marcus Walton (now of Durham, NC). Buddy had four grandchildren who he was very proud of: Haley Talbott, and Austin, Jackson, and Elijah Walton. He is also survived by beloved siblings: sisters, Celia Waggoner, Evelyn Earheart, and brother, Jim Walton, along with Robert Primm (like a brother to all of them).

Buddy was retired from long time service with the Service Merchandise company. After retirement he worked part time for various car rental services, including Enterprise.

Buddy was a longtime, active member of Woodbine Baptist Church, now known as the Church at Woodbine, regional campus of Brentwood Baptist Church.

The family will receive visitors at the Woodbine Funeral Home at Hickory Chapel on Sunday, February 23, 2020  from 2 to 6 p.m., and again on Monday, February 24, 2020 from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held in the chapel at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Rev. Ben McGinnis, Rev.  Doug Jones, and Rev. Joel Bayluangrath.

The family invites anyone who has known Buddy over the years to join us in celebrating his life.

Buddy's sister Evelyn remembers her brother as a very kind, loving, family man, a Christian man who loved his grandchildren so much. He always had a kind word for everybody.

He grew up in Nashville, TN. He spent many summers in his boyhood years adventuring with Robert Primm and other cousins in the woods of Franklin, TN. He enjoyed watching Western movies his whole life and cowboy boots were nearly always part of his attire. At heart, he was a cowboy in a big city. He was involved in Boy Scouts for a time, and RAs (Royal Ambassadors) at church. He went fishing with his beloved sons in their boyhood years and was active with them outside at home. He was a lifelong UT Football fan, enjoyed the company of several dogs and tolerated cats. He always made a good effort at fixing his own vehicles, but sometimes had to have a master mechanic make the repairs. He loved to laugh, and his eyes were bright blue.

He was only recently overheard saying, in a particularly chaotic moment in his grandchild filled house, as he rounded the corner of the kitchen "Sometimes you just gotta learn to trust in the Lord."

Amen.