Willard "Buddy" O. Masters III

Willard O. "Buddy" Masters III passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Friday April 22, 2022, at the age of 72. He was born on September 1, 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Willard Odell and Gloria Ross Masters, II. He was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Linda Thibodeaux Masters for 51 years. Loving father of Stacey Masters Gambino (Brad). Proud grandfather of Mason Kole Viola and Myles Jacob Viola and step-grandfather of Haley Ann Gambino and Logan Joseph Gambino. Brother of Gloria "Pete" Masters Woods (the late Jerry), Valentine Cecile Masters and the late Wayne Anthony Masters. He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many close friends. Buddy was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Gerald and Bobbie Thibodeaux.

Buddy was employed by Graybar Electric for 43 years. After leaving Graybar, he worked for Crawford Electric until his retirement in January 2020. He proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves as a medic during the Vietnam War. Buddy enjoyed fishing and spending many weekends at the camp with his family and friends but Buddy's greatest enjoyment was spending quality time with his grandchildren and attending their school and sports activities. He was also one of the founding member of the Delta Fraternity. The family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. James Ellis and nurses Kyefe and Rachel with Concern Care Hospice.

Family and friends are welcome to attend the visitation on Thursday, April 28, 2022 from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 5101 Westbank Expressway, Marrero. Funeral Mass will begin at 1:00 PM immediately followed by the burial at Westlawn Cemetery.

The family welcomes flowers, however, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Buddy, please consider donating to St. Jude Research Hospital by mail: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or on the web at www.stjude.org/donate .