Bud Rodefer, 81, of Blountville passed away peacefully at home Sunday, May 12, 2024 surrounded by his family. Bud was born in Sullivan County on November 1, 1942. He graduated from Holston High School in 1960.
He was a carpenter, jack of all trades and master of them all. Bud could build or fix anything. He loved woodworking and piddling in his shop, working in his garden, building furniture and going to Kay’s Restaurant every morning, mostly just to visit with his friends and drink coffee. Bud’s last project was one of his finest—a rocking horse for his great-granddaughter, Foster. (Special thanks to Jonathan Keys for helping him with the carving and to Betty Smith for making the leather halter.)
Bud retired from New River Electrical Corp in 2008 and was a member of the IBEW Union for over 30 years. He attended Orebank Chapel Central Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Cornelia Rodefer, sister, Pearl Stallcup, and brother, Junior Rodefer.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 59 years, Judy Gray Rodefer, daughter Penny Poore and husband, Roger, granddaughter, Beth Scott and husband, Matt, great-granddaughter, Foster Scott, nephew, Mark Stallcup, brother in law, Venis Gray and wife Peggy, and several other nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm Friday, May 17 at East Lawn Funeral Home with the funeral to follow at 7pm with Rev. Tim Risner officiating. Music will be provided by Wayne and Janice McNutt. Graveside service will be Saturday, May 18 at 11am.
Pallbearers will be Roger Poore, Matt Scott, Johnny Booher, Jason Blair, Steve Vermillion, Lee Roy Pope, Rick Davis and Josh Vermillion. Honorary pallbearers will be Bryan Horne, Mark Stallcup, Max Keys, Jonathan Keys and Venis Gray..
Bud’s family would like to thank Drs. Tom, John and Doug Green and staff, D. Simerly with Gentiva Hospice, 4th floor staff at Bristol Regional Medical Center, as well as Dr Towe and Dr Hayter of Ballad Medical Associates.
Donations in Bud’s memory can be made to Orebank Chapel Central Baptist Church Building Fund in care of Karen Moore, 233 Cedar Creek Rd, Gray TN 37615.
