William C. Buda Jr.

William “Billy” C. Buda, Jr, age 70, went to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. He was an amazing husband, dad, brother, friend, coach, teacher, and an avid sports fan. Billy loved his community dearly and was a fierce supporter of education and sports here. Billy graduated from Cocke County High School in 1970. He was a star running back for the Fighting Cocks. He graduated from the University of Tennessee before returning to CCHS to teach science and coach football. Billy coached the infamous “Buda’s Bandits” in the late 1970s. He coached many, many other baseball, basketball, and football teams in Cocke County over the years. Billy eventually became an insurance agent and retired from Farm Bureau after 25 years of sales and numerous accolades. Billy is preceded in death by his parents, William Buda and Christina Buda (Newport), sister Janice Buda (Newport), grandparents Gus and Zoitsa Stephens (Greeneville, TN) and Alec and Zella Buda (Newport). Aunts and Uncles, William Darden and Lucille Darden (Johnson City) and Charles “Z” Buda and Annette Buda (Pigeon Forge). Billy is survived by his wife Kay Sparks Buda, children Morgan Buda and wife Erin Dush (Michigan), Weston Bailey and wife Tessa (Newport), Meredith Fawver and husband Travis (Knoxville), and Malerie Bloomquist and husband Robert (Florida), and Papaw’s grandchildren Bridgette, Mason, Ben, James, Landon, Allison, Katelynn, Kara and Truman. Nephews Andy Tippitt (Knoxville) and Stephen Tippitt and wife Valerie (Knoxville), cousins Bill Darden and wife Caroline (Johnson City) and Steve Darden and wife Anne (Johnson City), and best friends Steve McNabb, Chip Oury, Jay Graham, Blake Briggs, Pete Debusk, Grady Hughes and others at the Round Table. Billy was a loyal and devoted family man and friend who sought to help others succeed in life. His laugh and smile are remembered by many, and he will always be “Just Billy”! Family will receive friends from 1-3 PM on Saturday, July 16th at Manes Funeral Home. Special thanks to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice and Tammy Francis. In lieu of flowers, Billy requested donations in his honor to Cocke County Educational Foundation (call 423-237-0381 or visit Rich Lloyd’s office, 261 East Broadway). Out of respect for the grieving family, if you or someone in your household are experiencing any symptoms of COVID or contagious illness, please do not attend and send your condolence online: at:www.manesfuneralhome.com A memorial graveside service will be held July 30th 2022 at 10 am in Union Cemetery. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

William C. Buda Jr.

May 13, 1952 - July 13, 2022