Henry Lee “Buddy” Christian Jr. was born in Brownsville, PA on May 9, 1958 to the late Henry Lee Christian Sr. and Harriett Josephine Christian. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Zach and Ella Christian and Harrison and Minnie Coleman.
Henry confessed to Christ at an early age and joined First Baptist Church of Russellville, AL. He was a graduate of Russellville High School class of 1976. He attended Northwest-Shoals Community College and Auburn University. He also attended West Point Military Academy in Fort Monmouth, NJ. He was an avid Auburn sports fan and enjoyed watching and cheering them on. He was also a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan as well.
Henry was a very well-rounded person and a great mentor to many. He was the epitome of goodness and displayed many noble acts of selflessness. Early in his life, he was inducted into the Masonic Lodge #668 in Parrish, AL. He coached little league football for the Russellville Pee-Wee Association where he also served as president. He also served as a Reserve Deputy for the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department in the early nineties. An active member of his community, he served on the Russellville City Schools advisory board on the Russellville City Federal Program Advisory Council. He was also a participant of Relay for Life for many years.
Henry was employed with the State of Alabama where he retired from the Department of Transportation (Grove Hill) as a Materials Engineer where he was 2nd in command. He retired in 2010 after serving the State of Alabama for 32 years. He also served as President of the Alabama State Employees Association (2nd Division). After retirement, he owned and operated “Big C Apparel” in Littleville, AL. He sold biker gear and apparel and truly enjoyed his biker friends and their stories.
Henry was a member of the United States 115th Signal Battalion Unit of the National Guard and later joined the Military Police. He was an active member of the 330th and 450th Military Police Alumni of the United States Army where he retired after 20 years of service.
Henry was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife of 32 years and 6 months, Ruby Eva Elaine Hubbard Christian of Russellville, AL; daughter, Sheikia N. Christian of Muscle Shoals, AL and son, Henry Lee Christian III of Russellville, AL; a special grandson, Darius Christian; one uncle, Thomas (Emma) Christian of Parrish, AL; siblings: James (Mazzie) Hampton of Apex, NC, Corine (Harold) Baylock and Ricky Christian of Russellville, AL, Harrison (Alma) Christian of Augusta, GA and Rosell Christian of Russellville, AL; four sisters-in-law: Juanita (Jimmy) Graham and Patricia (George) Coleman of Russellville, AL, Margaret (Stanford) Farley of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Teresa Hubbard of Russellville, AL; one brother-in-law, Nigel Hubbard of Russellville, AL, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His service and devotion to others was always a part of his life. He was a very likable person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
