Herman Grady (Buddy) Haggard, III

Herman Grady (Buddy) Haggard, Ill, beloved husband and father, died on March 22, 2024, at his home in Dublin, Georgia. Buddy was born on March 18, 1947, in Columbus, Georgia, to Ethel Josephine Bruni Haggard and Herman Grady Haggard, Jr., both of whom predeceased him. Buddy spent his childhood in Columbus and graduated from Pacelli High School.

Following high school, Buddy attended Auburn University where he met his future wife, Karen Annette Stewart. He received a BS degree in accounting and was a member of Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. A life-long Auburn Tiger fan/War Eagle devotee, Buddy seldom missed an Auburn home game and had the privilege of attending two National Championship games. Buddy and Karen have celebrated 56 years of marriage and have spent many happy Saturdays tail-gating with friends and family at Auburn.

Buddy exemplified that portion of the Auburn Creed which states, "I believe in my country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by “doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God." Buddy served in the US Air Force from 1969 to 1975; he was an F4 fighter pilot, posted to Spain. Following his active service time posted to Europe, Buddy served as a member of the Georgia Air National Guard, where he flew C-130s.

Buddy was a talented story-teller and one of his favorite stories involved his National Guard service. Buddy's job was to fly C-130s out of Savannah, to check them out, keep up his skills and so forth. On one particular weekend when Buddy was fulfilling his flight duties, there was a golf tournament at the Dublin Country Club. Somehow or another, a huge plane ended up flying over the golf course in Dublin where it cast a doomsday-like shadow as it rumbled and malingered across 18 holes. Buddy would grin and say: "l didn't know my friends could run so fast."

Buddy and Karen have made their home in Dublin since 1977. Buddy spent his career in private practice as a CPA, as well as working for 30 plus years as in-house CPA for Farmers Furniture Company in Dublin, Georgia.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Karen, and two daughters: Kimberly Voltz (Blake) of Columbus, Georgia, and Mandi Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia. Grandchildren are Bo (Anna) Voltz, Gray Voltz, Haze Voltz, and Ren Jackson.

Buddy was baptized into the Catholic Church in Columbus, Georgia, and has been a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Dublin since 1977. He has served in several positions and on various committees during his membership.

Buddy served on the Dublin City Board of Education. He also enjoyed membership in the Dublin Kiwanis Club. A long-term member of the Dublin Country Club, Buddy played many rounds of golf and served as president of the club.

Buddy was an avid sports enthusiast and was an unwavering supporter of his grandchildren in all of their sports activities, and in all matters scholastic. He was well-traveled and aside from many trips with Karen and family, he particularly enjoyed his trips with The Nostalgic Sojourners, a group of long-time friends. Everyone in that group and every family member can attest to Buddy's love of ice cream and of his ability to eat two dozen oysters with ease. Buddy was known for his dry wit and clever sense of humor; he enjoyed raising tomatoes, watching old Westerns on television, and listening and dancing to beach music. One of Buddy's favorite songs was "My Girl", which was recently played at a grandson's wedding reception. Buddy insisted on gallantly escorting Karen to the unoccupied dance floor, where they soon became the only couple dancing.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home.

A funeral service celebrating Buddy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 25th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Dublin, Georgia. Rev. Jude T. Shayo will conduct the service. Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 26th at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Gay, Randy Clark, Tommy Bobbitt, Don Daily, A.W. Smith, Jep Craig, Tony Ingrando, Brad Hill, and Scott Beasley.

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