Jerry Vann Files

Bud is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 31 years, Yvonne Stephens Files, and their daughters Jamie (John) Cunningham, Brook (Skyler) Torian, Brittany (Josh) Durrett, and Leslie (Matt) Morris. Additionally, he left behind his cherished grandchildren, Riley Sherwood; Hannah, Garrett, Luke, and Charlie Durrett; Madison and Jud Morris. He served as a father and grandfather figure to many others, with special mention of Allyson, Anna Claire, and Ella Welborn.

Bud is also survived by three brothers: Danny, Jeff, and Barry Files and his aunt and uncle Dianne and Earl Deason. In addition, he is survived by sisters-in-law Charlotte Garvin and Phyllis Simpler and brothers-in-law, Reuben, Billy (Pamella), and Jimmy (Robin) Stephens. Bud considered these his brothers and sisters. He is further survived by his 93-year-old mother-in-law, Betty Stephens, whom Bud affectionately referred to as Birdy Jane. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, along with grand-nieces and grand-nephews, are also mourning his passing. His memory will be forever cherished by the Files, Thompson, Stephens and Byrd families.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Files and Myrna McLaughlin and his younger brother, Mark Files. Also preceding him were his grandmother Mildred Holder, aunts and uncles, Gary and Dot Thompson, Randy Thompson and Beverly Spivey.

Bud grew up in Odenville, Alabama. He enjoyed memorable years at Odenville High School until 1975. He had been eagerly anticipating the 50th class reunion in October, but his declining health prevented him from attending. He was deeply missed at the latest reunion and many of his lifelong friends from high school are mourning his passing. Bud was an enthusiastic supporter of the Auburn Tigers, and was often seen donning apparel that showcased his team pride.

After graduating high school, Bud held various odd jobs until he considered his first real job with Harbert Construction. He later spent several years with Brassfield and Gorrie. Bud acknowledged that the experience he gained at Harbert and Brassfield prepared him for his final role as a partner at Prairie Contractors, a construction company based in Frankfort, IL, that specialized in retail construction. Bud was eternally grateful to Bud Kleinsmith for providing him the opportunity to become a part owner of a construction company. He was a remarkably skilled carpenter with an unmatched work ethic.

Bud played an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Frequently, he could be spotted in the stands cheering for his grandchildren during their baseball games, watching a cheer competition, a band concert or admiring his granddaughter's artistic talents. He was a regular at Applebee’s, particularly on Thursdays with Luke. He had a fondness for the beach. Although it was uncommon due to the distance some of his daughters lived, he cherished the moments spent together with all of them at the same time. Fortunately, he had the chance to enjoy such a gathering earlier this year when the entire family visited Disney in Orlando. During that trip, he expressed, “I’m so happy we’re all together, now I can die a happy man.” He had a particular fondness for Hardee’s biscuits and gravy, never refusing an offer to have some. He would always share the leftover gravy with his cherished Beagle, Allie, until her passing.

His love and care for his family were profound, and he consistently took both significant and minor steps to ensure everyone was well cared for. Most family members were unaware of the crucial role he played in organizing, preparing for, and financing family reunions and events.

Bud was a man of numerous skills, capable of constructing nearly anything. In 1996, he and his wife acquired an old Victorian house in LaPine, Alabama, which they completely restored into a stunning home and venue. Following substantial renovations in 2005-2006 for one of his daughter's weddings, the home transformed into a wedding venue for the next 16 years. During that period, Bud attended all weddings, with the exception of two due to work travel. Some of those 16 years witnessed over 30 weddings. He managed this alongside his full-time job, achieving it with the help of his good friend and equally dedicated worker, Vern Clayton.

Throughout his life, he worked diligently with honesty and integrity. His strong work ethic and personable demeanor contributed to his professional success, which he utilized to uplift his family. He held firm values and was the kind of individual who made others feel at ease immediately. Bud possessed an exceptional sense of humor and has left numerous stories that his family and friends will cherish and reminisce about for the rest of their lives. This is precisely what he would have desired – joy and laughter. Bud significantly influenced everyone he encountered, and his absence will be profoundly felt by many.

The family is grateful for the care Bud received at St Vincent's Hospital and UAB Hospital in Birmingham. We are also grateful for the many calls, texts, emails, letters, cards, visits, prayers, and the love shown by so many friends and our family members.

​Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Southern Heritage on Highway 119 in Pelham on Monday, December 1, 2025. The visitation with the family will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by the service commencing at 2:00 pm.