Aubrey Lee “Buddy” Lephiew, 73, of Crossett, passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at his home. He was born on June 25, 1947, to his parents, Aubrey and Mary Lee Owens Lephiew. He graduated from Star City High School and was a member of Community Chapel Baptist Church.
In 1966, Buddy began a career with Georgia Pacific, and after forty-four years, he retired in 2010.
On September 27, 1969, he married his soulmate and the love of his life, Kathy Beatty Lephiew, which began a love affair that would last fifty-one wonderful years.
Buddy loved the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and camping at Snow Creek. He also raised chickens and goats and enjoyed working in his garden each year, putting up vegetables with Kathy, and sharing the fruits of their labor with the neighbors.
Buddy was just a jolly country boy who would do anything for anyone, especially if it meant using his tractor, which was his baby. Buddy was blessed with many friends, especially Billy Threet, who carried him to numerous Dr.’s appointments and treatments and, Blue, who called everyday just to check on him. Buddy’s daily routine included visiting and drinking coffee with his best friend, Billy Smith, and often spending time with his grandchildren. His grandchildren were his world, and they loved him immensely in return, never hesitating to come to his side whenever he needed them.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one daughter, Belinda Jo Lephiew Matthews, and one sister, Mary Leverne Williams.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Kathy Beatty Lephiew, and one son, Danny Lephiew and wife, Angela, both of Crossett; one sister, Connie Rogers of Hernando, MS; one son-in-law Donald Matthews; three grandsons, Peyten McNeice, Cody Lephiew, and Hayden Matthews; one granddaughter, Brittney Rice; and five great-grandchildren, Kyle, Olivia, Bailey Jo, Claire, and Ella.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 10, at Medders Funeral Home, under our awning with Bro. Mike Chain officiating. Pallbearers are Earl Carter, Andy Rials, Rocky Beatty, Ricky Taunton, Larry Threet, and Leon Hamm. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, Peyten McNeice, Cody Lephiew, and Hayden Matthews.
A come and go Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, at Medders Funeral Home.
Medders Funeral Home is complying with the CDC and the Arkansas Governor’s mandates regarding funerals and visitations and asking everyone to practice social distancing and refrain from any physical contact.
Those that are considered high risk, running fever, or have been recently exposed to someone positive with COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home to protect themselves and others.
A downloadable service program will be available at the bottom of this page on the day of the service.
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