In Loving Memory of Buell “Bud” Barker: Leland Family Honors a Devoted Husband, Father, and Friend
Leland, NC — The community of Leland is mourning the passing of Buell “Bud” Barker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by unwavering love, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family. After 57 years of beautiful marriage to his wife, Kathy, Bud’s journey came to a close, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, family devotion, and enduring love.
Bud’s passing marks the end of an era for those who knew him. Friends and family describe him as a gentle soul with a big heart, someone who always made time for others — whether it was offering a helping hand, sharing a story over coffee, or supporting loved ones through life’s challenges. His calm presence and kind nature made him a cornerstone of his family and a respected figure in the Leland community.
A Life Anchored in Love
At the heart of Bud’s life was his partnership with Kathy — a marriage that spanned nearly six decades and stood as a shining example of commitment, resilience, and unconditional love. Together, they raised a family grounded in those same values, weathering life’s ups and downs with faith and grace.
Bud and Kathy’s bond was made even stronger by their shared love for their children, and like many parents, they endured the unimaginable pain of losing a child. That loss shaped the family deeply, and in his final wishes, Bud made it clear that he wanted to be laid to rest with his son’s urn — a heartfelt desire that speaks to the powerful bond that continues beyond life.
A Final Wish: A Legacy of Togetherness
To honor Bud’s final request, the family is working to create a mausoleum — a permanent resting place that will eventually hold Bud, his son, and Kathy when the time comes. It’s not just a burial site, but a symbol of unity, love, and eternal connection — a place where future generations can come to remember, reflect, and celebrate the lives of three extraordinary people bound by love.
The unexpected nature of Bud’s passing has added to the emotional and financial strain on the family. In response, they have launched a fundraising campaign to help make Bud’s final wish a reality. The funds raised will go toward building a mausoleum that reflects the dignity and love he carried throughout his life.
🕊️ To support the Barker family and contribute to Bud’s final resting place, please visit their fundraising page: [Insert Link Here]
Every contribution, no matter how small, is a meaningful step toward fulfilling Bud’s final wish and helping Kathy and the family through this difficult journey.
A Loss Deeply Felt
The grief felt by Bud’s passing extends far beyond his immediate family. Neighbors, friends, and members of the Leland community have come forward with stories of Bud’s kindness — from sharing homegrown vegetables to checking in on neighbors during storms, or simply offering a smile and a wave that brightened someone’s day.
“Bud was one of those people who made you feel better just by being around,” said a long-time neighbor. “He didn’t ask for attention or praise. He just gave love in the most genuine way.”
As the Barker family navigates this new chapter without Bud, they do so with the comfort of knowing that his spirit lives on — in every story shared, every life he touched, and every quiet moment of reflection.
Rest in peace, Buell “Bud” Barker.
Your love was steady, your heart was full, and your legacy will live on — not only in the place your family is building to honor you but in the countless lives you graced with your presence.
Your journey may be complete, but your story lives on — in love, in memory, and in the hearts of all who knew you.
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