Bud Vandiver of Prescott, Arkansas November 22, 1920 – January 30, 2019 Carl Bud Vandiver, 98, of Prescott, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, in Hot Springs, after a short Illness. Bud was born Nov. 22, 1920, in Hope, Arkansas to Rothel and Naomi Stevens Vandiver.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ruth Vandiver Zunick, his wife Rene Glass Vandiver, and his special friend Thelma “Pete” Whatley. Survivors include his daughters Kay Compton (Don) of Bismarck and Anne Franks (Roscoe) of Prescott; grandsons, Tom Compton (Jo Beth) of Bismarck, Robbie Franks of Prescott, Doug Compton (Amy) of Paragould, and Andy Franks of Texarkana; great-grandchildren Jessica Thornton (Hayden), Jared, Levi, and Lane Compton. Bud was a WWII veteran, serving In the U.S. Army, 153rd Infantry, 363rd Infantry, 91st Division.
He received a Purple Heart after being shot while serving in Italy. He also received a Bronze Medal and numerous other badges and medals. In 2013 Bud was inducted Into the Arkansas Military Veteran’s Hall of Fame.
In 1961, Bud entered into a business venture of his own when he opened Bud’s Auto Parts in Prescott. He and his wife were owners until he retired in 1989. During these business years, Bud was elected President of Automotive Wholesalers of Arkansas for 1973-1974.
First Baptist Church was a very important part of Bud’s life. Sixty-one years ago, Bud and his daughter, Kay, were both baptized on the same Sunday. He loved the Lord and was always looking for a way to help others.
He served as a Deacon and especially loved his position of Greeter each Sunday morning. After the death of his wife, Bud knew how very lonely life could be, so he began trading a Sunday morning church bulletin for a hug. All the ladies soon expected a hug as they entered the church.
Bud was also instrumental in making sure a handicap ramp was built so all could enter the sanctuary easily. Bud also had a deep love for our community. He was elected as the President of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce in the 1970’s.
He enjoyed his time as a member of the local Lion’s Club where he served as the Tail Twister. Other highlights in his life included being honored as the Grand Marshall of the Veteran’s Day Parade and again as the Grand Marshall of the Christmas Day Parade. For 16 years, he served as a commissioner of the Prescott Housing Authority.
Many folks have been touched by the kind spirit of Bud Vandiver. From charcoaling chickens to share with others to mowing the church yard to transporting people to and from doctor appointments, and so much more, Bud filled his life with spreading love and joy to many. If you knew Bud, you were blessed.
Even as the years added up, Bud still reached out to others by making phone calls to brighten the day of those who were lonely and those whom he loved to visit each week. His pallbearers were very special to him. These men felt honored to serve him in this way: Wayne Glass, Bobby Glass, Mark Glass, Brian Glass, Robert Poole, and Tommy Poole.
Honorary pallbearers are: Ronnie Vandiver, Larry Jones, and Mike Stokes. Visitation will be held 6pm-8pm Friday, February 1, 2019 at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Prescott. Funeral Service will be 2pm Saturday, February 2, 2019 at First Baptist Church Prescott, Arkansas with burial to follow in Deann Cemtery under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to: Doug Compton Ministries, 7074 HWY 139, Paragould, AR 72450.
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