Norman "Buddy" Link

Norman E. Link "Buddy", a beloved teacher and coach of Hendersonville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 25, 2025 at the age of 91. He was born on January 26, 1934 in Lexington, NC to Clyde and Kathleen Clapp Link. Buddy lived a life full of faith, teaching, coaching and military service.

Buddy served two years in the United States Army after his first year at Western Carolina University and then returned to complete his education. Coach Buddy Link's local 32-year teaching and coaching career included West Henderson's first Junior Varsity football team from 1963-1977, then 16 years at Flat Rock Junior High School, which fed East Henderson High School. He coached such future NFL players as Mickey Marvin and A.J. Greene. He also coached at Rugby Junior High School and North Henderson High School.

Buddy's care for students was shown by receiving many special awards for Outstanding Dedication to Students and Athletes; he was inducted into the Henderson County Education Hall of Fame in 2012. One of his most favorite awards was being able to chaperone more than one thousand students to Walt Disney World during Spring Breaks for 18 years.

Buddy, who loved the Lord with all his heart, was a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church, where he served as an usher and a greeter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Kathleen Link and a grandson, Christopher Link.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Janet Strider Link, son, Mike Link (Teresa), son, Jeff B. Corn (Kristin) and daughter, Tamara Maybin (Chad), four grandchildren, Courtney Pace (Jake), Grayson Schmidt (Kayli), Jake Schmidt (Diamond), and Elizabeth Maybin, and seven great-grandchildren. Buddy is also survived by a beloved brother, Ron Link (Alice) from Lexington, NC, two sisters-in-law, Martha Strider Stokes (Waddy) and Frances Zogzas (Dino); and a very special aunt, Phyllis Williams of Gallatin, TN and her family, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.

A Funeral Service to honor Buddy's life will be held at 2PM Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Mud Creek Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:30 - 2 PM at the church. Interment will follow the service at Shepherd Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mud Creek Baptist Church's Debt Retirement or in honor of Coach Link to the Scholarship fund at Henderson County Education Foundation, HCEF, PO BOX 1267, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or online at hcefnc.org/donate.