Robert "Buddy" Pell Bovender Jr.

Robert (Buddy) Bovender, 80, was born in Winston-Salem, NC to Robert (Bud) P. Bovender and Ruby Wise Bovender. He graduated from John W. Hanes High School in Winston-Salem, NC where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He won the city Thom McAn award for his football play. He attended East Carolina University on a football/baseball scholarship. In 1964 he signed a professional baseball contract with the Atlanta Braves. He played two years before an eye injury cost him his peripheral vision. He spent his career in insurance with Aetna and Montgomery/Liberty Mutual insurance companies in Charlotte, NC. Buddy was a member of Cedarwood Country Club where he enjoyed 40 years of golf with dear friends. He coached his sons and friends’ children in Dixie Youth Baseball and loved showing his German Shepherd, Beau, in obedience dog shows.

In 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret McGee Bovender. They have four beloved children and spouses, Robert P. Bovender, III and wife Carrie, Brent Andrew Bovender, Nicole Bovender Marchan and husband Ray, and Anna Bovender Hellman and husband Greg. They share nine grandchildren, Annika, Ella, Camdyn, Emma, Blake, Laney, Jayce, Asher, and Reese. Buddy was blessed with a dear brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Libby Bovender and nephews, Gray and Brad. He also cherished his friends and his golfing buddies that made his life happy over the years. His family sends a special thank you to his extended family at The Pearl at Fort Mill for their loving care over the past three years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in remembrance of him. A memorial service will be held at a later date for friends and family. A happy memory of your choice will be welcome at the celebration of his life.