Wayne "Buddy" Kimball

Wayne "Buddy" Kimball, a man of faith, kindness, and an unwavering love for his family, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2023, in Tyler, Texas. Born on October 5, 1945, in Beaumont, Texas, Buddy's life was a testament to his friendly nature and his commitment to his loved ones and community. Buddy was the son of the late B.E. and Annie Lee McNeeley Kimball. He was fortunate to share his life with a large and loving family, including his devoted wife, Marie Kimball, and his children, Wayne Kimball, Jr. and wife Michelle, Angie Giles, Damon Baker, and Steven Baker. Buddy was a proud grandfather to Kayla Pope, Tristan Davis, Macy O'Neal, and Taylor Kimball, and a great-grandfather to Kord Larsen. He is also survived by his brother, Ralph Kimball, sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Donald Sanders, Mary and Ted Borowski, his nieces and nephews: Roger Sanders and wife Jill, Donna Downing and husband Michael, Christine Thomas, Diane Nugent, Cindy Pace and Gwen Clowers, and James Kimball and a number of great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, B.E. and Annie Lee Kimball, sister-in-law Ruth Ann Kimball, niece Anita Kimball, nephew John Kimball, and in-laws Arlee and Bertha Mosley, and brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Kathy Mosley. Buddy attended Woodville High School before studying Drafting and Welding at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. He was proud to have served his country by enlisting in the United States Army in 1967, honorably discharged in 1969, and later reenlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1974, serving until his honorable discharge in 1976. His dedication to his work continued at Lufkin Trailers as a welder, and later as a long-haul truck driver for Walker Trucking and Texas Smokehouse in Lufkin, where he and Marie shared memorable journeys across the United States. Buddy's interests were reflected in his love for family, faith, and community. He was often seen with his wife, embodying the phrase, "Wherever you go, I will follow." His love for his children, grandchildren, and bonus sons was evident in every interaction. As a charter member of the Cross Timbers Cowboy Church, he served as an Elder and cherished his church family and Pastor Ford Adkins. His pastimes included watching old Western movies, scrolling through Facebook, and talking on the phone with anyone who would pick up. His passion for his horses and dogs and the joy he found in the truck with his wife, viewing the world's beauty, were hallmarks of his earlier years. Buddy will be remembered by his friendly nature, kindness, and faith-filled life were a beacon of light to all who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit and legacy will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and the community he served so faithfully. Rest in peace, Wayne "Buddy" Kimball, a man whose life was a testament to love, faith, and kindness. Your memory will continue to inspire and guide us.