Alvia Edward Landers, Jr.

Alvia, better known as Buddy or Buck, was born June 15, 1932, in Decatur, Alabama. He passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was active from an early age, working at the Decatur Daily for Mr. Maynard Laymon. Buddy and his paperboy friends enjoyed not only delivering papers but also having fun with their daily adventures.

Buddy graduated from Decatur High School, where he was involved in baseball, cheerleading, and photography.

After graduating, Buddy worked as a mail clerk at Chemstrand before honorably serving his country in the United States Army. He attended Officer Candidate School in Kansas City then returned home to marry the love of his life, Betty Jo Wear. Soon after, Uncle Sam insisted Buddy serve in El Paso, Texas, for two years.

When Buddy and Betty Jo returned to Decatur, he went back to work at Chemstrand while completing his Bachelors Degree at Athens State College.

Changes were happening as the family grew from two to five. What a joy his children were to him through the years.

Buddy changed from Chemstrand to Amoco Chemicals, where he worked as an accountant and office manager until he retired.

He enjoyed retirement by working in the yard, playing with the grandkids, and serving at Central Baptist Church in many capacities. Buddy faithfully served as a deacon for over 50 years and then was honored as a Deacon Emeritus. He considered his church family one of life’s greatest blessings.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvia Edward Landers, Sr; his mother, Ada Dean Clift Landers; and his son, Edward Bruce Landers.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty Jo Wear Landers; his daughters, Lauri Landers Reed Russell (Walt) and Linda Landers (Doug) Brown; his grandchildren, Chris Edward (Lindsay) Landers, Camilla Hynds Brown, and Douglas Ford (Mary Ellison) Brown; his great granddaughter, Lenora Hazel Landers; along with extended family members and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

The family would like to acknowledge the compassionate care and kindness shown by the staff of Falkville Health Care Center and Rehabilitation and Hospice of the Valley. Their support and dedication during Buddy’s final days brought comfort to both him and his family, and they will always be grateful.

Buddy’s life was a testament to hard work, unwavering faith, and a life led by Christ. He was a light in this world, an example to his family, and an encouragement to everyone who knew him.
His legacy is not measured only by the 94 years he lived, but by 94 years of faithful service to his Lord, his family, his church, and his community.

Funeral and visitation arrangements will be announced by the family.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations maybe made to Central Baptist Church Repair and Replace Fund.

Shelton Funeral Home had the Honor of assisting the Landers family.