Thomas Garfield Perdue

Thomas Garfield (Buddy) Perdue, 77, of Elliston, Va., passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2009. Born in Roanoke, Va., on July 9, 1932, he was the son of the late Taylor G. and Margaret Bohon Perdue. Buddy attended Jefferson High School and later joined the National Guard Reserves. He drove for Associated Transport for 16 years and was a member of the Teamsters Local Union. He later retired as an engineer for the N & W Railroad. He was a past member of Taylor Lodge #23 in Salem as well as the Kazim Golf Team. He was a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the Roanoke Valley Radio Control Club of Salem where he loved to fly the planes that he built. In his early years, Buddy achieved the Golden Glove in boxing. Buddy was an avid fisherman and loved to go anytime with anyone. He was a member of the New Grace Baptist Church in Salem. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Evelyn Warfe Perdue; son, Rickie G. Perdue; his second wife, Marie McDaniel Perdue; and brother, Ralph D. Perdue. His surviving family includes children, Gary "Red Top" Perdue, Jeffrey D. Perdue and wife, Mary, Bonnie P. Boitnott and husband, Jerry, Larry A. Perdue, and Randy L. Perdue; stepchildren, Jerry McDaniel, Jack McDaniel and wife, Sue, Billy McDaniel and wife, Carolyn, and Janet M. Galbraith; sisters, Christine P. Nolen and Shirley P. Dean; brother, Dewey Perdue and wife, Mazie; sister-in-law, Shelby Perdue; 13 grandchildren; 11 stepgrandchildren; 26 greatgrandchildren; significant other, Gladys Hall; numerous nieces and nephews; special fishing friend, Jack Nance; and his beloved pets, Bubby and Rowdy. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 14, 2009, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2009, in the funeral home's chapel. Burial will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Rodney Cox will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the New Grace Baptist Church Building Fund, 8269 Bradshaw Road, Salem, Va. 24153. Online condolences to the family may be made at johnmoakey.com. The Perdue family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, Va., 540-389-5441.