Paul James “Buddy” Vaught Jr., 87, of Hayesville, went to be with the Heavenly Father on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.
He was born in Rainbow Springs, Macon County, to the late Paul James Vaught Sr. and Geneva Gilliand Vaught. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Marlene Vaught.
Buddy was a graduate of Hayesville High School. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean War.
Buddy received his Master’s Degree and Education Specialist from Western Carolina University. He also attended the University of West Georgia and Young Harris College.
The majority of his 39-year career in education was at Peachtree Elementary, but he also taught at New Hope Elementary and White Church Elementary in Murphy.
Buddy had a passion for his community. He was an active volunteer and participant in community service activities.
He was a member of Truett Memorial Baptist Church in Hayesville, where he served as treasurer for about 44 years.
He was Mayor of Hayesville for 24 years, and he served on the Hayesville Town Council for 14 years with a total of 38 years of combined service.
He was a member of the Hayesville Civitan Club, Clay County Lions Club, he judged various clogging festivals nationwide, was a member of the Southwestern Football Official Association, a board member of the Southwestern Senior Citizen Groups and various other organizations.
He enjoyed spending time with family, going to events for his grandchildren, and loved going to sporting events such as NASCAR, football and baseball. He loved kids and wanted to help them all. He loved meeting people, and he never met a stranger.
Buddy was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and is survived by his sweet and lovely wife, Joyce Icenhower Vaught; one daughter, Teresa Magee and husband Patrick of Acworth, Ga.; a son, Anthony Vaught of Hayesville; four grandchildren, Brandon James Vaught and wife Alexis Vaught of Winder, Ga., Amanda Blake Vaught and Spencer Vickery of Gainesville, Ga., Tristyn Paige Magee and Kiara Elise Magee of Acworth, Ga., and two great-grandchildren, Rowen James Vaught and Carter Anne Vickery.
A celebration of life was held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at Truett Memorial Baptist Church. Interment was in the Hayesville Baptist Presbyterian Cemetery with military graveside rites being conducted by American Legion Post 96 Murphy, American Legion Post 532 Hayesville and VFW Post 6812, Hayesville. Pallbearers were Brandon Vaught, Patrick Magee, David (Bugs) Hyatt, Bobby Hollifield, David Ray, Bobby Palmer, Dennis Myers, David Yonce, Randy Barnett and Darryl McClure. Honorary pallbearers were principals and teachers, and Civitan and Lions Club members.
The family received friends from noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 24, at Truett Memorial Baptist Church prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made in Buddy’s honor to Truett Baptist Church Building Fund, 193 Church St., Hayesville, NC 28904; or to the American Legion Post 532, P.O. Box 22, Hayesville, NC 28904. Please indicate it is in memory of Paul J. Vaught Jr.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home, Hayesville, was in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.