Wilburn "Buddy" Rhudy Cummings

Wilburn “Buddy” Rhudy Cummings, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 30, 2024, with his daughter and son by his side.

He was born in Marion, VA to the late George Neal Cummings and Leta Box Cummings. Buddy was an Army veteran serving as a MP during the Korean War and a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church in Newport News, VA, where he served as a deacon for many years. Buddy retired from Benson-Phillips in Newport News, VA, as Vice President of Operations after 40 years of service. He was actively involved in ministry at Marion Baptist Church upon moving back home after his retirement, enjoying many years of community service there and at Hungry Mother State Park. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather – the greatest joy in his life was his family. During retirement, he enjoyed roaming and exploring his land and soaking up the beautiful mountain views from his front porch. He had a talent and passion for gardening and woodworking, which paired well with his wife’s talents of cooking and crafting.  He and his wife spent many years traveling to craft shows to display and sell their beautiful pieces of art. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 59 years Billie Lou Cummings; an infant daughter, Carol Lynn Cummings; his brother Wayne Cummings; and sister Eleanor Jackson.

He is survived by his brother Joseph Cummings; his daughter Teri (Fred) Townsend of Yorktown, Va, son Jeff (Jean) Cummings of Winston Salem, NC; six grandchildren, Bobby (Tonya) Clark, Stacey (Brandon) Major, Taylor Cummings, Sydney Cummings, Chad (Missy) Townsend, Cory (Stephanie) Townsend; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Fraziers' Seaver-Brown Chapel; 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, 4410 Lee Hwy, Marion, VA 24354, with a reception to follow at Fraziers' Seaver-Brown Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Marion Baptist Church General Fund, 1258 North Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.

To share memories or condolences for Wilburn R. Cummings, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Buddy's family has been entrusted to Fraziers' Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.