Joseph Thomas "Buddy" Lex

Words and sentiments can scarcely contain the full and storied life that Joseph "Buddy" Lex led from his birth on February 23rd, 1926, until his passing on Monday June 10th, 2024 at the enviable age of 98. High School & College Football Star, World War II Veteran, William and Mary graduate, Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Stock Broker, Traveling Checkwriter Salesman, & FBI agent were just some of the hats Buddy wore and lives he lived in his near-century long story. In its last chapter this beloved patriarch departed peacefully in the comfort of his Norfolk home and in the company of his two surviving children and son in law. In doing so, Buddy leaves behind not only a legion of loved ones but a life and a legacy to be cherished and celebrated. He has now joined the ranks of those who predeceased him - his wife of 68 years Martha Ann "Mimi" Hogshire and their youngest child, Nancy Lex. His older brother "Little George" and of course his parents "Big George" and Nannie B.
Among this legion of loved ones who will fondly remember Buddy are:
His two surviving children Peyton Thomas "Petie" Lex and Martha Lex Vaughan, their spouses Denise Lex and Mark Vaughan, his younger sister Mary Lou Hilling and all of her children and grandchildren, his own grandchildren Devin Lex, Jordan Lex and wife Sarah, Taylor Vaughan and wife Jessy, Peyton Vaughan and wife Rosie, Mason Vaughan and wife Skyler, Lucy and Caroline Lex, and his six great grandchildren Urban and Blake Lex, Lex and Clark Vaughan, and Thomas and John River Lex.
Those who will remember Buddy will no doubt recall his generosity and near-endless energy with which he bounded through life - playing tennis at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club well into the 80s and frequenting Elizabeth Manor into his 90s. (Which proudly features the "Buddy Lex room").
However, his undeniable knack for any sport he could get his hands on started in his youth where he excelled in sports at Newport News High School - to such an extent it earned both him and his brother a free ride to William and Mary. Here his exploits on their College football team would land him in the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
However, in between high school and college sports was the peril of the second Great War. Buddy enlisted as an 18 year old and soon found himself crouching in foxholes in the Battle of the Bulge and crossing the Remagen bridge just days before its collapse.
It was only after his return from the European theater after the war's end that Buddy Lex met his "Sweetmeat" Mimi, and went on to build a life which included a 3 year stint nabbing gangsters as an FBI agent (among other memorable stories).
After retirement the tireless veteran spent his autumn years tending to his garden, grandchildren, and beating everyone else in his age bracket in golf and tennis.
To honor the memory of such a titanic figure a private family ceremony will be held, and memorial donations may be made to The College of William and Mary.