James Eldred Baxter's Obituary
James Eldred “Bud” Baxter of Austell passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at WellStar Cobb Hospital. He was born in Carrollton on February 14, 1923, to William Arthur Baxter and Odareene Gray Baxter. On December 9, 1944, he married his wife of 72 years, the late Chloie Mary Smith. He and Chloie moved to Austell from Carrollton in 1947 and joined Austell First Methodist Church where Bud continued to be a devoted member for 76 years. For decades Bud would be among the first on Sunday mornings to open up its doors.
Bud was the youngest of five children, having three older brothers and one older sister who are now all deceased. He grew up in Carrollton on a farm where his family made a living farming and had a sorghum syrup mill. He received the nickname “Bud” because he had an uncle who called him Buddy, and it was eventually shortened to Bud.
From 1945 to 1946, he served in World War II in the Philippines in the SIGINT (Signal Intelligence Unit) and received a marksman award for an M1 Garand. Following the war, he continued to serve those in need throughout his community. He was a member of the Austell Lions Club for 52 years and held the position of President for three terms. He always enjoyed helping out with the Lions Club steak suppers and the pancake breakfasts. Bud and Chloe also served for many years with CAMP (Community Action Mission Program) and delivered meals to homebound people in need through Meals on Wheels. Bud always had a servant heart, and over the years, he participated in mission trips to build homes and was always there to lend a hand to his family, those in his church, and people in his community. When he knew someone had a need, Bud was always the first person to volunteer to help.
In addition to serving his community, Bud tended a garden with his wife for many decades. His grandchildren loved harvesting tomatoes with their Pawpaw. He was also an amazing fisherman and there are countless stories that give family members a laugh over Bud’s fishing expeditions with his favorite fishing buddy, Irvin Terrell.
Bud will be dearly missed by his beloved daughter, Susan Baxter Nicholson (John), two grandchildren, Patrick Kelley (Virginia), Kimberly Underwood (Phillip), and two great- grandchildren, Katie and Emily Underwood.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home, and on Wednesday from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the funeral home.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, April 10th, 11:00 am at Austell First Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Club International in Bud's name.
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate
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