Henry Buddy LeRoy Register

Henry LeRoy Register passed in the serenity of his home on Monday February 10, 2014 after a long, courageous battle. Affectionately called “Buddy,” he is preceded in death by Martha Anne Vick his wife of 50 years, sisters Elizabeth King and Doris Hathaway Thornton. Survived by his loving daughter Anne and husband, Dave Emrey, of Charlotte, NC; and his two granddaughters that he adored; Jennifer and Allison Emrey. He leaves a host of faithful friends and neighbors whose careful attention allowed Buddy to remain independent in his home until his death. He was especially grateful to Louise Burnett and Denise McEachin for their caring and loyal service.

Buddy was born in Clinton, NC on March 13, 1927 son of late LeRoy Register and Pearl Lewis Register. He was groomed at an early age into the manner of a true southern gentleman. His high school years were filled with fond memories of his football team, his mother’s banana pudding and dancing. He attended Wake Forest College. In 1948, he started working for GMAC and continued until his retirement 39 years later.

Though his work with GMAC moved him all about Eastern Carolina, he stayed involved in the community where he lived. He was a member of the Masonic Hiram Lodge, the Jaycees and Lions Club of Elizabeth City. Buddy, a sports enthusiast, was a charter member of the North Raleigh Sports Club whose goal is to provide scholarships for promising athletes.

In 1987, Buddy was stricken with a rare incurable disease Inclusion-Body Myositis (IBM), an autoimmune disorder. While the disease weakened his muscles, he bravely soldiered on- never complaining and always happy, reflecting any concern to that of his visitor. Even as he grew weaker, he continued caring for his wife, as she fought her own complications. Buddy’s ingenuity to continue living “as usual” was truly inspiring.

IBM did not stop Buddy from living life. He enjoyed it simply and fully with faith, family and friends. He shared fellowship with everyone he met and everyone he met, an instant friend. Before IBM took away his ability to walk, Buddy loved to work in his yard and vegetable garden. And when not on a golf course, he headed for the coast. He loved the ocean.

Buddy did not live a life of grand gesture. He lived a life of many small, inspiring acts, done with great courage. Buddy will be missed but his irrepressible inspiration will live on in all of us that had the honor of knowing him.

A funeral service will be held Monday, February 17th at 11 am at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior, from 10 am - 11 am. Burial will follow the service at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Road, Raleigh, NC 27608.

Condolences may be made through brownwynne.com.