Obituaries for Aug. 14, 2014

Published 10:02 am Thursday, August 14, 2014

CLIFFORD S. BUDD JR.

Mr. Clifford S. Budd Jr., Ret. Chief Master Sgt., 81, of Andalusia passed away Sat., Aug. 9, 2014, at the Bill Nichols Veterans Home in Alex City.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., today, Thurs., Aug. 14, 2014, at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo with full military honors.

Keahey Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Budd, “Tex” as he became known during high school, was nominated by his alma mater, Paulsboro High School to the Class of 1950s Athletic Hall of Fame. The nomination was based on his exemplary academic, athletic and leadership abilities. Even during elementary school he had been recognized for those outstanding traits and given the American Legion Award for Overall Excellence. Another hallmark of Tex’s high school days was becoming an Eagle Scout and being named his neighborhood’s commissioner.

During high school, Tex was a three-sport letterman. He lead the baseball team in hitting with an impressive .358 batting average, hitting safely in 11 out of 14 games. Paulsboro High School was not the only institution to note Cliff’s baseball talent. Before graduation, he attended a try-out camp for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Mr. Budd joined the Air Force on July 11, 1950. He received his letter of acceptance to report for Spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals a few days after joining the Air Force.

Joining the Air Force did not curtail his love of sports. He continued to play softball, baseball and football and was voted onto the All Star Football (1950-57) team where he played quarterback. From 1957-62, while serving at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina, he was in charge of athletics for his entire unit. Under Tex’s leadership, his unit boasted the most wins in the entire Air Force in football, basketball and volleyball. While stationed in Japan, Tex continued to play softball and football. His team played against an All-Star team from Guam in the Kyushu Bowl. While serving in Germany, he participated in over 100 walk-a-thons of 6.2 miles, earning over 100 metals. While in the Air Force, Tex amassed over 25 championship trophies.

Later, his love for sports and humanity was manifested by his coaching of the Special Olympics.

Mr. Budd retired from British Petroleum Oil after a long time and successful career.

Survivors include: wife, Gretah Curry Budd of Andalusia; stepson, J.D. (Betsy) Herring of Highland Home; stepdaughter, Rhonda (Steve) Kelley of Montgomery; sister, Florence Rose Springer of New Jersey; step grandchildren, Rivers Herring, Brooke Herring Taylor and Lindsay Herring Hollis.

JIMMY E. COZART JR.

Jimmie E. Cozart, Jr., 57, of Andalusia passed away Tues., Aug. 5, 2014, unexpectedly at his home.

He was the son of the late Jimmie E. Cozart Sr. and Lois Cozart of Augusta Ga. He was born and also lived in Augusta, Ga., prior to moving to Andalusia. He was a sheet metal journeyman.

He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmie E. and Jackie Cozart III of North Carolina; his 2 daughters and son-in-law, Rachel and Jason Shannon and Kristin Cozart both of West Virginia; his 6 grandchildren: Hadden, Abigail, Colby Lois, Anna, Aiden, and Austin; step-mother, Shirley Cozart of Augusta; sisters and brother-in-law, Cindy and Steve Charron of Warwick, Rhode Island and Mona Gracy of Augusta; brother, Joseph Cozart of Augusta; fiancé, Glenda Worthy of Ashford, AL; best friend, Andy Raborn of Andalusia; and his uncle, Brother Melvin Smith and family of Andalusia.

Donations can be made to the local animal shelters in his memory.

ELBERT A. WARD

Elbert A. Ward, 71, of Andalusia died Tues., Aug. 12, 2014, following a valiant fight against lung cancer. Mr. Ward claimed his victory surrounded by his family and loved ones.

A lifelong resident of Covington County, Mr. Ward graduated from Pleasant Home School in 1961. He worked more than 30 years at Alatex, followed by many years at Shaw Industries.

Survived by his wife of 48 years, Charlotte, Mr. Ward leaves a prolific legacy of survivors including his daughter, Regina Turner of Red Level, and grandchildren Hunter Turner and Rebecca Turner, also of Red Level. Additional survivors include his sisters, Yvonne Kirkland of Andalusia, Betty Robertson of Andalusia, Connie Shavers of Dothan, a brother, Wayne Ward (Ouida Fay) of Paul, and former son-in-law, Tony Turner of Gantt. Mr. Ward is also survived by numerous brothers-and-sisters-in-law and dozens of nephews and nieces. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Johnny and Eunice Ward, and a brother, Gordon Ward.

An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Ward loved hunting and fishing, and leaves behind a legacy of having taught hundreds of area kids how to waterski at Point A and Gantt Lakes.

Funeral services will be Fri., Aug. 15, 2014, at 2 p.m., at Foreman Funeral Home with burial following in the Smith Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight at Foreman Funeral Home from 6-8.