Berlie "Buddy" Swecker

Berlie “Buddy” Trawick Swecker Jr., 86, of Bridgewater and formerly of Blue Grass, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2017 at the Martinsburg VA Medical Center in West Virginia.

He was born August 14, 1931 in Blue Grass, a son of the late Lillian C. (Hull) and Dr. Berlie Trawick Swecker.

On February 25, 1956 he married Edith Virginia Swecker, who preceded him in death on June 28, 1990.

Buddy was a U.S. Army veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. He was a self-employed business owner as well as a livestock farmer. Additionally, Mr. Swecker served on the Board of Directors of the Blue Grass Valley Bank for 26 years and was a member of the former Crabbottom Presbyterian Church.

Buddy moved to Bridgewater in 1990 following the death of his wife. He became very involved with his grandchildren, assisting with transportation, attending sporting and music events. Buddy will be remembered for having never met a stranger; as well as his exceptional memory; gift of storytelling; and his delicious breakfast meals.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Steven R. Swecker; brother, Ralph H. Swecker, DDS; and sister, Louise S. Hogshead.

Buddy is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Bev and Terry Eye, of Bridgewater; grandson, Josh Eye and wife, Elizabeth, of Harrisonburg; granddaughter, Whitney Kinkead and husband, Josh, of Dayton; great-grandson, Henry Bernelle Eye; great-granddaughter, Edith Blake Kinkead; friend and companion, Rita Armentrout, of Timberville; as well as numerous nephews and nieces who considered Buddy their uncle and/or grandfather.

A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Rev. Andre Crummett officiating. On Friday, September 15, 2017, a committal service will be held in Blue Grass Cemetery at 11 a.m. On Thursday evening, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and following the service.

Pallbearers will be Mark and Tim Swecker, Mark and Michael “Buz” Arbogast, Bill Will and Tom Hull.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions VPAS Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 817, Waynesboro, VA 22980; or Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA 24482.