Edward Thomas Buyama Jr.

Born in 1933, Eddie Buyama, Jr. was the beloved son of the late Edward and Gloria Buyama. He grew up in the Miami area and graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School. In 1950, during the Korean War, Eddie proudly served in the United States Air Force. It was after his time in service that he began going by the name “Bama,” choosing to distance himself from his Japanese heritage.

Following his honorable discharge in 1953, Eddie married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Mandeville, in 1954. Together, they were blessed with five daughters: Jeannie, Carol, Helen, Patty, and Susan.

Eddie followed in his father’s footsteps, joining Pipe Fitter’s Local Union 725 and continuing in the family legacy in mechanical services. He successfully established his own successful General Contractor’s business which include—Buyama Air Conditioning, Miami Shores Electric Inc. and Bama Construction and Bama Roofing. A respected member of the FRSA Florida Roofing, Sheetmetal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association, and the State Electrical Masters Association, Eddie remained active in his trade and worked diligently up until his final days at age 92.

He was a dedicated family man and served in his community, Eddie served as a Boy Scout leader with the Northwest Boys Club and held a position on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of Miami during the 1980s.

He was a devoted member of Northwest Baptist Church and also worshiped with his daughters at Plantation Baptist Church and Southwest Community Church.