Joseph "Buddy" Watkins Fuqua Jr.

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Joe” Fuqua & Nora Frels Fuqua. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Martha Baldridge Fuqua. He is also survived by his children: Delinda "Lindy" Baker (and spouse Bob), Kathy Edris, Donnie Fuqua and Janet Fuqua; his grandchildren: Peter Edris, Travis Baker (and spouse Annie), Andrew Baker and Sarah Hobson (and spouse Blake); and his great grandchildren: Selena Edris, Jasmine Edris, Charlotte Baker and Elizabeth Baker. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Fuqua (and spouse Jane), sister Carolyn Wickel, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Buddy grew up in the West End of Houston. He left school in the 10th grade to begin working but never stopped learning. His early jobs included a paper route, ice delivery and screen installation. He also delivered tapes from the Radio Revival church in Houston to the radio station. It was at this church where he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Buddy worked many years for Foleys Department Store delivering furniture and appliances to homes all over the Houston area, including the homes of some astronauts that were in space at the time. After leaving Foleys, he worked many years as a newspaper distributor for the Houston Post. At the Post his hard work and great business sense was recognized and they would assign him districts that were disorganized or struggling and have him put things in order. This caused his young family to move around a lot (Houston, Cleveland, Baytown, Channelview to name a few) but allowed him to make many friends. After the Post was bought by the Chronicle, he returned to Foleys to drive trucks from the Houston Distribution Center to stores throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana. Again his skills were recognized and his boss would have him assist with setting the routes and schedules. Even after his retirement, he could not sit still. In his 70’s he delivered gift baskets around the city of Houston for Beverly’s Gift Connection.

Buddy was a man who loved God. He attended many churches over the years and served in many capacities. Since the early 1980’s he was a faithful member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Houston. He and his wife served as greeters at GTAG for many years. Buddy had a heart for missions and fervently wished for all people to be saved. He would assist youth who wanted to attend church camp. He also supported many missionaries both in the US and abroad.

Buddy could do a little of everything, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring and car repairs. After retirement he got into woodworking and made many beautiful pieces of furniture for his home including tables, lamps, headboards, dressers, bedside tables and armoire. He also made a wooden cross which even now stands on the grounds of Glad Tidings church.

Buddy loved to travel and explore. He had to check out every new street and subdivision. He especially loved cars and changed them often. In fact, he once won a Father’s Day award for having owned the most cars over his life (he could only remember about 35 at the time…). After his retirement, he also enjoyed reading Christian fiction, doing word search puzzles and eating out. One of his greatest joys was hanging out with his great granddaughters.