Buddy Whitehead, 82, of Johnson City, Tenn., went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 20, 2020, from Johnson City Medical Center. Buddy was born in Butler, Tenn., to the late Carson and Eliza Robinson Whitehead. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several siblings.
Buddy was a lifelong athlete playing baseball in Chambley, France while serving in the United States Air Force and softball for the remainder of his life. He was inducted into various Halls of Fame in Texas and Georgia and the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame. He retired from the United States Postal Service and was a dedicated member of Sinking Creek Baptist Church for over 50 years.
Buddy was a member of the Lyons Club. He was a Master Mason, a 50-year member of the Dashiell Masonic Lodge #238 in Elizabethton. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Jericho Shriner.
Those left to cherish his many many wonderful memories include his wife of over 50 years, Betty L. Whitehead, of the home; two children, Vanessa McKinney (Tim) and Vince Whitehead, all of Johnson City; five grandchildren, Arielle Faith, Brandon Whitehead, Shaleia Whitehead, Alex McKinney and Carson Whitehead; one brother, Paul Whitehead of Winson-Salem, N.C.; and one sister, Sarah Sellers of Johnson City.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Buddy Whitehead will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, January 24, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Pastor Jason Hoagland officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 10:15 a.m. Saturday to go in procession. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mr. Whitehead and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.