James Howard (Buddy) Wimberly, 85, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, on January 12, 2025. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 1-2 p.m. at Colbert Memorial Chapel with a service to follow at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Brothers Tommy Smith and Rusty Holt will be officiating. Burial will be in Colbert Memorial Gardens.
Buddy is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Peggy Joyce Strange Wimberly; granddaughter, Mandy Dawn Slaton; parents, Howard and Methel Wimberly; sisters, Shelby Lenz, and Maggie Sue Richards.
He is survived by his children, Dawn Slaton (Steve), Laura Travis (Ron), Wade Wimberly (Melva); grandchildren, Chris Slaton, Jessica Shannon (Anthony), Rachel Travis (Krys), Amy Newsom (Jason), Matt Wimberly (Laura), Kayla Stokes (Brittany); 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Sarah Pearson; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Buddy was a lifelong resident of Colbert County and grew up in the Little Hatton Community. He retired from TVA where he worked as a boilermaker at Colbert Steam Plant. In 1988, TVA presented him with an honor award for outstanding character and community service. He was also self-employed for many years and specialized in home construction and renovations.
Buddy was a member of Muscle Shoals Baptist Church serving in many capacities. He served as a deacon, and for 40 years took great care of the building and grounds. He loved cutting grass and making sure the lawn always looked its best. The church recently recognized him for his lifetime of faithful devotion and dedication.
At an early age, Buddy was a musician and played music all over the Shoals area. He loved gospel music and was a member of the Solid Rock Quartet for more than 10 years. He served and worshipped Jesus in his daily walk. His hobbies were vintage cars (he restored a 1950 Ford Coupe), gardening, and most of all watching and supporting the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Atlanta Braves. Go Braves! He is greatly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Matt Wimberly, Slaton Ledlow, Ron Travis, Wayne Holt, Terry Lenz, and Jason Newsom.
Dad had an amazing team of caregivers that he affectionately called “his girls”. He could not have been treated with more love and respect than they showed him. Thank you, Melva, Brittany, McKagan, Kim, Veronica and Aveanna Hospice.