Buddy Bane Blevins

Marion, Virginia

Buddy Bane Blevins passed away unexpectedly in the early morning of August 11, 2024, in Abingdon, Virginia, with his daughter Kim and son-in-law Chris Taylor by his side.

Buddy was a lifelong resident of Marion, Virginia, where he operated a successful business, the United Insurance Agency. He was born on January 26, 1944, just one minute after his twin brother and lifelong friend, Bob. Buddy was a beloved middle and high school teacher who coached and taught in Wythe and Smyth counties for over 35 years. Known for his vibrant personality, he was dearly loved by his students and the community. He graduated from Marion High School, Marion College, and Emory & Henry College in Virginia. Buddy had a deep love for his community and family. He will be sorely missed by his many friends, business associates, family members, and the staff at local restaurants, where he was known for his generous gratuities, a tradition he upheld in honor of his mother, Lavonia. A philanthropist at heart, he recently supported Tri-Cities Champions, a special needs sports program in Bristol, Virginia, where his grandson Austin is an athlete. Sports and family were paramount in his life and he enjoyed coaching his grandsons, Ethan and Gavin in AAU basketball and up until his passing, was the coach of a men’s league basketball team. Buddy attended and supported the First Christian Church of Abingdon and the Church of God of Prophecy in Sugar Grove, Virginia. He will always be remembered as a devoted father and grandfather.

Buddy was preceded in death by his twin brother, Bobby W. Blevins (1944-2024); his older brother, Charles E. Blevins (1936-2023); and his parents, Edward (1909-1944) and Lavonia Blevins (1910-2002).

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Baker (Mike) of Bristol, Virginia, and Shannon Taylor (Chris) of Abingdon, Virginia; as well as his cherished grandchildren, Austin Sharitz, Ethan Sharitz, Gavin Taylor, and Ashlin Taylor. Buddy loved animals and had family dogs throughout the years including his constant companion little Duke who brought Bud so much joy and comfort. 

Services will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Virginia. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will follow. He will be cremated and laid to rest alongside his twin brother, Bobby, and his parents at Round Hill Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Marion, Virginia.

To share memories of Buddy Bane Blevins, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Buddy has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.