Burton “Buddy” Kelly Leuty
Burton “Buddy” Kelly Leuty, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, on Sunday, March 17, 2024, surrounded by loving family and friends.
He was born in Spring City, Tn., on April 24, 1941, to Burton Bates Leuty and Beatrice Johnson Leuty. On October 27, 1963, Buddy married the love of his life, Sandra Heard Leuty, at her home church, Dunlap First Baptist. He and Sandra moved to Chattanooga where he worked and retired from DuPont. In 1965, they welcomed the birth of their first child, Kim, followed by the birth of their son, Steve, in 1968. While working at DuPont, Buddy was known for his artistic abilities and painted many Safety posters that were displayed at the entrance of the plant. He also designed a mascot for DuPont called “Safety Sam”, a caricature of a man wearing a red, white and blue hardhat who encouraged employees to practice “safety first”. Among his many talents, Buddy enjoyed drawing lighthearted cartoons of his fellow employees. These cartoons became legendary, and many were kept and treasured by his friends and their families. In addition to working at DuPont, Buddy spent endless hours in his basement at home lettering signs for various businesses. His artistic abilities were limitless and were a God-given talent, as all of his work was self taught and done by freehand.
Buddy had three great loves in his life…God, family, and the Tennessee Vols…in that order. Early on, Bill Battle and John Ward, were household names. Tennessee football was religiously watched on Saturdays, followed by a replay of the games after church on Sundays. His love for the Vols and Tennessee football was instilled in his son, Steve, and they spent many years watching the games together. Buddy did indeed leave this world a “VOL4Life”, as he was a true fan of the Big Orange, win or lose.
Buddy was known as a patient, kind and gentle man who loved the Lord. Likened unto “Job” by his family, Buddy lived his life by the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. He also strove to live by the instructions of Romans 12:17-18, “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men…”. He was slow to anger and gave everyone the “benefit of the doubt”, trying to see the good in everybody. He studied the Bible diligently and applied its teachings to his everyday life, leading his children and grandchildren to the Lord by his example.
Buddy and his family were members of White Oak Baptist Church for many years. At the time of his death, his membership was with Central Baptist Church/Abba’s House. Although they were no longer able to attend services in person, Buddy and Sandra were both faithful to worship from home online.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Brenda Leuty; and his loving wife, Sandra Leuty. After celebrating 60 years of wedded bliss together on Oct. 27, 2023, Sandra passed away on Dec. 17, 2023. The pain of losing his soul mate and lifelong partner caused the rapid decline of Buddy’s health, which resulted in his death exactly three months after Sandra’s passing. They have now been reunited in Heaven, and are together in the loving arms of their Savior.
He is survived by his daughter, Kim (Gregg) Willis of Hixson; his son, Steve (April) Leuty of Hixson, his grandson, Tyler Willis of Marietta, Ga.; his grandson, Mason Leuty of Hixson; a special nephew, Lee (Tina) Heard of Pikeville; a special nephew, Bill (Susan) Heard of Savannah; special neighbors, Wayne and Wanda Cordle, Haley Cordle, and Blake (Sara) Cordle of Hixson; and special friends, Gary and Sherry Webb of Soddy Daisy.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, and 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Lane Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, in the Coulter Chapel of Lane Funeral Home, with Pastor Greg Powell officiating. Graveside services will be private in Chattanooga Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tyler Willis, Mason Leuty, Lee Heard, Blake Cordle, Mike Boles, and Phil Marshall.
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com, 423 877-3524.