Charles Lyons "Bud" Vaughn Obituary (1924 - 2020)

Charles Lyons “Bud” Vaughn, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home, with his loving family by his side holding his hand on October 20, 2020 at the age of 96. He was born January 29, 1924, the son of the late Charles and Matilda Vaughn, in Rogersville, TN. He was the lasting surviving Vaughn in his family, other than a niece, Deena Moore of Florida. He was preceded in death also by his three sisters: Alice, Frankie, and Pauline. Bud was drafted to war at the age of 18 in 1942. He served the U.S. Navy and his country proudly as a Third Class Petty Officer aboard the USS Saratoga during World War II. He earned three service medals: American Theater, Asiatic Pacific Medal, and The Victor’s Medal, and 3 Bronze Medals. Bud was one of the last known Veterans of WW II in Greene County. State Representative, David Hawk presented him with a flag that was flown over the TN State Capitol Building at the 2019 Ottway Ruritan Veteran’s Dinner. He returned home to work at Pressmans Home in Hawkins County, and later retired from the Raytheon Company in 1986. Bud also worked for the Greene County Solid Waste Department at West Pines Convenience Center for 10 plus years. He was married to Bonnie Kate Rader Bright in 1970. He was her caregiver until her death in 2017. In Bud’s younger days he was an active member of a square dancing team, which he had fond memories of. He loved fishing with his brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Rader. He also loved working in his garden and especially mowing his lawn, which he did until he was 94 years old. Bud loved and cared deeply for Bonnie and his family despite losing his hearing and suffering from Macular Degeneration. Mr. Vaughn is survived by his step-daughter, Paulette Bright; step-son, Jeffery Alan Bright, both of whom were his caregivers. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Chastity Bright and two great-grandchildren: Katie Kiker, Briggs Kiker and girlfriend, Lexi Auchterlonie; many cousins, nieces and nephews, including Cole and Luanne Wells and their 2 children: Patrick and Martha Wells. Bud will greatly be missed by Martha and everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. Bud attended Pleasant Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church as long as his health permitted. He loved his church family and neighbors. Special friends include: Linda Kiker, Eddie and Nina Harmon, Dale and Evelyn Hensley, Shirley Campbell, Hazel Tunnel, Barry and Michelle Reed, Frances Miller, Paul and Genevieve Bolton, Carolyn and Fred Gammons, Frances McGhee, and many others that adored him. The family would especially like to thank The VA Medical Center at Mountain Home for their taking extraordinary care of Bud throughout his Veteran life; he loved them. Thanks also to Amedisys Hospice for their heartfelt loving care; Sheena Boyd, Heather Hill, and Kathy Duncan are Angels and have brought much comfort and peace during Bud’s last days. We are forever grateful for them. The family will receive friends Friday, October 23, 2020 from 5-7PM in Jeffers Funeral Service Downtown. The funeral service will follow visitation at 7PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Richard Snowden officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home Saturday at 10AM to go in procession to the 11AM graveside service at Doty’s Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Briggs Kiker, Rodney Kiker, Patrick Wells, Carter Church, and Jeff Jackson. Thoughts and memories may be shared with the family at www.jeffersmortuary.com Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Charles Lyons "Bud" Vaughn, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.