He was born February 3, 1929 in Tallahassee and attended Leon High School and Florida State University. An avid artist, sailor, and accomplished musician, he enjoyed a lifelong pursuit of artistic creation and appreciation. He composed a march for his band at the age of 13 and wrote two more marches in the succeeding years. While he did not pursue music as a career, it was always an integral part of his life. He played the french horn in high school and college and subsequently joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving as principal horn in the Seventh Army Band, Stuttgart, Germany. He also played horn with the Florida State University Symphony and was a soloist in the original Tallahassee Symphony in 1961.
Upon his return from the service, he settled back in Tallahassee, working briefly in land surveying before beginning his long career with the Florida Department of Transportation. He retired from his engineering position at DOT in 1989 and began utilizing his free time to pursue his loves of sailing, art and music, ultimately becoming a published composer with works for guitar published by Columbia Music Company.
Buddy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary C. Hartsfield; son Jeb Hartsfield and wife Michele of Myakka City, FL; son Inman Hartsfield and wife Barbara of Tallahassee; six grandchildren, James Hartsfield, Amberlee Jordan, Amanda, Jonathon, Alyssa and Abby Hartsfield; sister Bobbie Jean Lawson of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister Carol Warren of Titusville, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 pm on Friday, August 19, 2011 at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road with graveside service to follow on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 10:00 am at Aenon Church Road Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Tallahassee, FL.
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