Lindsay "Buddy" Waugh Puckett

indsay Waugh "Buddy" Puckett, 92, and Carolyn Linden Puckett, 86, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully within twelve hours of one another on June 7, 2026, after sharing a life together and enduring love for more than six decades.

Buddy was born on October 21, 1933, to Guin and Breatha Puckett from Hartselle, AL. Carolyn was born on May 22, 1940, to Harry and Essie Linden from Silverhill, AL.

Their love story began in the library at Howard College (now Samford University). Buddy often delighted family and friends with the story of first noticing Carolyn's legs through the library bookshelves and deciding he simply had to meet her. That chance encounter blossomed into a lifelong romance. They married in 1961 and soon welcomed their children, Stan and Mary Lynn, beginning a journey together that would span 64 years.

Throughout their marriage, Buddy and Carolyn built homes and friendships in Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Alabama. They cherished time spent at their Orange Beach cottage and enjoyed traveling throughout the country. Wherever they lived, their home was a place of warmth, laughter, hospitality, and unconditional love. Family and friends were always welcomed and treasured.

Buddy's professional life was defined by his commitment to serving others. After working in several roles early in his career, he joined the Alabama Department of Welfare and went on to serve as Director of the Lurleen B. Wallace Developmental Center in Decatur and later as Director of the Albert P. Brewer Developmental Center in Mobile. Throughout his career, he was devoted to improving the lives and care of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Buddy and Carolyn were preceded in death by their beloved daughter, Mary Lynn Puckett; Buddy's parents; Carolyn's parents; Buddy's brothers, John Paul Puckett and wife Modell, Harry Callis Puckett and wife Margaret Anne, and David Guin Puckett and wife Martha; and Carolyn's brothers, Harry Linden and wife Janice, and Donald Linden and wife Sylvia.

They are survived by their son, Stan Puckett; Buddy's brother, Dan Puckett and wife Connie; Carolyn's niece, Connie Wallace and husband Danny; sister-in-law Jean Linden; along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life honoring Buddy and Carolyn will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Mary's-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church in Birmingham. The Committal of the ashes of Buddy, Carolyn, and Mary Lynn will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in their honor to the Volunteers of America Southeast.

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Published by AL.com (Birmingham) from Jun. 16 to Jun. 17, 2026.