William R. (Buddy) Stayton, 99, of Campbellsville, KY, son of the late Robert “Bob” Stayton and Lear Ruth (Christie) Stayton, was born on October 15, 1925 and departed this life on Monday, February 3, 2025 in Campbellsville.

Buddy professed his faith in Christ and was a faithful member of the Campbellsville First Methodist Church. He loved raising a big garden, especially tomatoes, and sharing his bountiful garden with his friends and neighbors and did so until he was 98 years old.

Buddy was a military man through and through. A retired First Sergeant of the U.S. Army, he was very proud of his service. "Once A Soldier, Always A Soldier ... a Soldier for Life." He entered World War II as a front-line combat infantryman in The Pacific Theater and later served on the front lines in the Korean Conflict. He also served as a front-line medic and after the wars ended he served in various positions in the army medical field eventually running entire hospital wings in army hospitals in such places as Germany, Valley Forge, PA, and Seattle, Washington. During his career, Buddy received many commendations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Combat Medic Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal in Korea, Bronze Star Medal for Combat Medical Duty, Medic of the Month European Command, Eleven Campaign Battle Stars, and many, many letters of appreciation from his superiors.

After retiring from the army in 1964 with the rank of First Sergeant, he returned to Campbellsville with his wife, Gladys, and daughter, Dreama to live and raise his family. When Parker-Kalon came to Campbellsville, Buddy was hired to set up the shipping department and stayed on as shipping supervisor.

After retiring from Parker-Kalon, he went to work at the local Kmart as the stockroom manager. After retiring from Kmart he and Gladys started a successful antique business with booths in antique malls in several central Kentucky towns. Buddy would find and restore antique furniture in his shop and Gladys was in charge of the glassware and small collectibles. They did this until just before Gladys' passing in 2019. Buddy always gave credit to his wife, Gladys, the U.S. Army, and the Lord for saving his life and making him the man he became.

SURVIVORS:

2 brothers: Leadis R. Stayton & wife Susie of Johnsport, IL and Lanous R. Stayton of Covington, KY

2 special nephews: Raymond Lee Stayton and Steven Flinchum

Many other nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gladys Irene Williams Stayton; one daughter, Dreama Lou Stayton Rafferty; one granddaughter, Debra Lynn Rafferty; and four sisters: Leora Lavine, Beatrice Burton, Jewell Flinchum, and Freda Stayton.

Funeral Service: Monday, February 10, 2025 at 1:00pmET at L.R. Petty Funeral Home in Campbellsville, KY with Rev. Adam Love officiating

Entombment: Campbellsville Memorial Gardens Mausoleum with full military honors by the United States Army.

Visitation: After 11:00 on Monday

In Lieu of flowers donations are suggested to be made to the Galilean Children's Home and can be made at the funeral home.