Quinton "Buddy" Florence Jr.

Quinton “Buddy” Florence, Jr., 88, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2013 after a brief illness. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Buddy, the son of Quinton Florence, Sr. and Louise McKelvey Bussey, was born on May 28, 1925 in Atlanta, GA and spent most of his formative years in Charleston, SC. On May 19, 1943, just shy of his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served our country with distinction for three years during World War II in the South Pacific Theater as a Gunner’s Mate, 3rd Class. Buddy participated in and received citations for five amphibious invasions in Japan, including service in the Tokyo Bay Occupation Force (TF-31) and the Capture of the Japanese Battleship Hijm Nagato on August 3, 1945. Buddy was honorably discharged on May 2, 1946 and returned to Charleston, where he attended the College of Charleston and met his beloved wife, Martha Anne Townsend of Bennettsville, SC. They were married on June 28, 1947 and remained happily married for over 60 years until her passing in October 2007.

Buddy was a talented tennis player, having won city championships in Charleston, Rock Hill, and Charlotte. He also was an avid golfer, and was for many years a member Carmel Country Club, where he enjoyed social events with Anne and playing cards with his friends.

He began his career as a trainee on the night shift at the Celanese plant in Rock Hill, SC. He was promoted to Southeastern Sales Manager, and ultimately became an Executive Vice President in the New York office. He later began his own company, Florence Textiles in Charlotte where he worked until his retirement.

He is predeceased by his wife, Martha Anne Florence, and his son, Quinton Terry Florence. He is survived by Terry’s wife Hope, son Robert and his wife Donna, son Gregg, and son William and his wife Myra; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Buddy was most grateful for the friendship and help of Gwen Tillman and his neighbors, Gene and Sidney Lockaby.

Following Buddy's wishes, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Sharon Memorial Park Cemetery, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Terry Florence Golf Endowment, in memory of Buddy Florence, ℅ Coastal Community Foundation of SC 635 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29403.

Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.