William P. "Buddy" Dietz

William P. "Buddy" Dietz

Memphis, TN

beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on October 23 in his home, surrounded by loving family. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Sheila Clasgens Dietz, three children, Carol Dunavant, Kathy Frazier and William Dietz, III, and their spouses, Phil, Keith and Ashlie respectively. Buddy had six grandchildren, Lauren, Nicole, Wilson, Emma, Jake and Annabelle Grace, as well as his sister, Jude Knight. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, William P. Dietz, Sr. and Nell Parks Dietz, and a sister, Mary Jo Bobrik.

Buddy was a native Memphian, and met his love, Sheila, also a native Memphian, at the Pig and Whistle. Nothing was more important to Buddy than his faith, family and friends. A lifelong Catholic and member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Buddy loved his service as a lector and as a Eucharistic minister for many hospitalized and homebound parishioners. His day typically began with 6:30 a.m. Mass with a group of special friends.

Buddy was the comptroller for six years at the Eye Clinic in Jackson, TN, and then for many more years at Hanson Graphics in Memphis. Buddy made a new generation of young friends at Terminix before retiring in 2009.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 27th from 5pm – 7pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 1695 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN. A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, October 28th at 10 am in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception building fund, to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the Cathedral, or to a charity of the donor's choice.