John Charles “Buddy” Still
Buddy went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, January 29, 2011. He was born in Nacogdoches on June 30, 1922 and lived 88 wonderful years of life. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Elva Wilson Still, his first wife of 55 years, Margaret Emily Barrett Still, and his second wife of 15 years, Mary Jane Still. Also preceding him in death were his sister, Margaret Stone and husband George, sister, Peggy Russell, son Charles Alan Still and a great granddaughter, Kaylie Breann Smith.
Buddy married Margaret Emily Barrett in 1938 and immediately entered the grocery business with his father John D. and grandfather C.J. Wilson. Eventually he and his brother, Pete, owned four grocery stores in Nacogdoches, which Buddy later reduced to the one location at 3100 North Street, in 1958 when Pete relocated out of town. Still Brothers Grocery was probably the last home town store to both charge grocery purchases and deliver them to homes. Over his 41 years in the grocery business Buddy met and befriended many hundreds of people who shared their life experiences with him. He retired from the grocery business in 1979 and then enlarged and continued his lifelong cattle operation until his death.
During World War II, Buddy served as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt) in the U.S. Army, 311th Engineering Combat Battalion, Medical detachment, A Company. 86th “Black Hawk” Division, of General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. He was awarded several decorations and citations, including the Silver Star Medal for combat valor in rescuing from death two wounded U.S. soldiers under heavy machine gun fire, during a 341st Infantry Column drive for Hagan, Germany.
Buddy’s passion was attending virtually all athletic events involving his sons and grandsons. In fact he began attending summer baseball games in 1956 and continued without interruption through 2010, a dedicated effort of 54 consecutive years.
Buddy was an elder emeritus and lifelong member of First Christian Church of Nacogdoches, where he was a former Church Board Chairman and served in numerous committees. He deeply loved Jesus and rarely missed a church service.
He is survived by four sons: John Richard “Rick” Still and wife Linda, Frank Barrett Still and wife Tricia, Joe Evan Still and wife Jill, all of Nacogdoches, and Jim Bob Still and wife Debbie, of Houston. One brother, Pete Still and wife Robbie of Arlington, Texas. Also, ten grandchildren, Jonathan Still, Ricci Still, Andrew Still, Preston Still, John Carson Still and Joe Evan Still, Jr., all of Nacogdoches, Matthew Still, Ryan Still and Jenni Still, all of Houston, Texas and Allison Potgieter of South Africa. Two great grandchildren, John D. Still and Jenna Potgieter, all of whom he enjoyed greatly. One brother-in- law, Terry Russell of Nacogdoches, and one daughter-in-law, Jeannette Badgwell of Marvel, Arkansas.
Special family in laws, Sheri McGuire and husband Joe of Nacogdoches, Craig Mangham and wife Robin of Junction, Texas and Christy Avant of Henderson, Texas.
Services will be held on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 10:00 AM at the First Christian Church located at 702 Mound Street in Nacogdoches, with Rev. Terry Hodge presiding. Visitation is from 3-5pm on Sunday, January 30, 2011 also at First Christian Church.
Pallbearers will be: Tony Dawson, Charlie Still, Andrew Still, Matthew Still, Ryan Still, and Jonathan Still.
Honorary pallbearers are the Elders and Deacons of the First Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund, 702 Mound Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.
Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.
