Buddy Wirt

Joe Ray “Buddy” Wirt, 74, of Troy died on Monday, June 24, 2019.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday at White-Ranson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Truitt Cockrell and Mr. Wirt’s son, the Rev. Rusty Wirt officiating. Burial will follow in Campground Cemetery near Troy.
Pallbearers will be Doug Brewer, Roy Griffith, Tony Daniel, Don Bailey, Tim Walker and Mike Clark.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
He was born on July 31, 1944, in Clinchco, Va., son of the late Ray and Mary Wirt. He married the former Zelmarie Huey on May 9, 1964. She survives.
He was a graduate of Obion County Central High School who married his high school sweetheart and put down roots in Troy.
He was employed by the former Reelfoot Meat Packing Company, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Storey’s Sawmill.  He spent many years as a volunteer commentator for several OCCHS sports programs and was also dedicated to his church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church No. 2, serving in a variety of roles, including deacon and Sunday School teacher.
He was known for his love of old time western memorabilia and movies. He was also passionate about music and shared his love of singing with his son, Huey.
He is also survived by two sons and his daughter-in-law, Huey Wirt and Rusty (Sherri) Wirt; son-in-law, Randall (Jean) Barker; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Keisa Barker; and two sisters, Debbie Adams and Penny Roland.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association to honor Buddy’s wife, Zel, who now resides with their son and his family in St. Louis.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.

Published 6.26.19