Edward “Buddy” Shaffer Jr., 75, of Swamp Run community, departed to his Heavenly home on May 11, 2023, at the Louis A Johnson VA Medical Center after a hard-fought battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born September 19, 1947, in Buckhannon, WV; the son of the late Edward Shaffer and Mildred Guthrie Shaffer Mullikin.
Buddy graduated in the class of ‘65 from BUHS. Immediately after, he joined the Army. He served in Pittsburgh, Germany, and Vietnam. On June 28, 1969, he married Sheila Smith. He graduated with Honors from WVU in 1972. He was employed with Manpower in Petersburg and served 30 years with the Health Departments in Randolph and Barbour counties. He was a member of the American Legion and Buckhannon VFW. He was a dedicated member of the Honor Guard. Buddy was a 4-H leader in Grant County and has been a Sunday School teacher for many years. He was appointed Deacon at Sand Run Baptist Church on December 18, 2011.
Fulfilling his lifelong dreams, Buddy became a farmer and loving Dad to his cattle and four children. He enjoyed cultivating fruits and vegetables, and forestry.
Buddy is survived by his wife Sheila Smith Shaffer, their four daughters Rebecca Wamsley (Steve) of Mill Creek, Jamie McIe (Kevin) of Fairmont, Julia Simmons (David) and Janis Shaffer both of Charleston, nine grandchildren, Devon and wife Courtney, Hunter and fiancé Mary Grace, Nathan and girlfriend Dani, Anlyne and fiancé Elijah, Zachary, Linken, Sophie, Edward, James and soon-to-be great grandson, Mother Mildred Guthrie Shaffer Mullikin (Jerry), three brothers Kenneth Shaffer (Clarcie), George “Bill” Shaffer (Carol), John “Rick” Shaffer (Joey), one sister Sharon Kay Burr (David), and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his father, Buddy was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Abby Guthrie, Francis and Florence Shaffer and Grant Bennett. Thank you to everyone who has helped the friends and family with this transition. A special thanks to the compassionate professionals at the VA Medical Center and Hospice.
Friends will be received at Sand Run Baptist Church in Excelsior on Monday May 15, 2023, from 4pm until 7pm. The funeral will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 11am with Pastor Greg Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton. = In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be extended to the Shaffer family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Shaffer family has entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services with funeral arrangements.
