Buddy Burdette

Buddy Burdette

WODRUFF- Marion Kenneth “Buddy” Burdette,85, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.  A lifelong resident of Woodruff, South Carolina, Buddy was born on October 13, 1940, to the late Walter Eckford Burdette and Lois Dixon Burdette.

  Buddy proudly served as an Army Ranger in the 173rd Airborne Brigade and was a lifetime member of Bethel Masonic Lodge No. 112 AFM.  He and his beloved wife, Loretta recently celebrated 62 wonderful years of marriage-a true testament of their deep love and devotion to one another.

  He was a generous and thoughtful husband, father, and “Pop,” whose kindness and steady presence touched everyone who knew him.  Buddy is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Loretta Waldrep Burdette of the home; his two children, Brent (Daphne) Burdette of Greenville, SC, and Claire (Todd) Cordes of Marietta, GA; and his three adored grandchildren, Austin, Alexis, and Carly.  Buddy is also survived by his brother, Charles (Ellen) Burdette of Woodruff, and his sister, Susan (the late Dallas) Hudson of Woodruff.

  Buddy was blessed with an intelligent mind and strong body, both of which he stewarded well throughout his life.  In high school he set records in track and also played football in the North South All Star Game.  Buddy continues to push himself physically through lifting weights and competitively arm wrestling.  He was a master machinist and supervised at multiple local manufacturing companies (eg. GE and Hayssen).  Buddy also built his family’s home (with his own hands) in 1970- the same house Loretta still lives in today.  This solid, long-standing home that sheltered his wife and two children is a testament to how Buddy did things: the right way.

  A service honoring Buddy’s life will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Woodruff officiated by Rev. Andrew Shull.  Military Honors rendered by the U.S. Army will follow the service.

  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service in the church sanctuary.

  A private interment due to inclement weather will be held at Greenhaven Memorial Gardens.

  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Woodruff (Work of the Church), 801 Cross Anchor Road, Woodruff, S.C. 29388