Royal Clarke ‘Bud’ Burns

Royal Clarke “Bud” Burns, Bud died at his home on February 27, 2005 following a lengthy illness.

Bud is survived by his wife of 57 years – Georgia Hill Burns. He leaves behind three sons: Gary Clarke Burns (Jule), Charles Thomas Burns (Susan), Stanley Wayne Burns (Wanda), and one daughter, Celia Lynn Burns Moates (Von), eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents: William A. Burns and Lillian Pace Burns and was one of seven children leaving behind three brothers: Charles Burns (Nicki), Chris Burns (Patricia), J. L. Burns (Penny) and three sisters: Arlee Graham (Marvin), Hazel Morgan, and Helen Hill (Albert).

During World War II, Bud served in the Merchant Marines and was honorably discharged in 1947.

He married Georgia Hill the same year and they resided in Johnson City, Tennessee where he began his career as a Professional Golfer serving as Assistant Professional at Ridgefield Country Club.

In 1952, Bud and Georgia relocated to Selma at the request of Otey Crisman, where Bud became the Head Professional at Riverside Golf Course.

After serving four years in this capacity, Bud accepted the position of Head Professional at the Selma Country Club where he began what would become a 40 year relationship.

During his tenure at the Selma Country Club, Bud was very instrumental in the development and promotion of Junior Golf.

Many of his students advanced to achieve the level of playing professionals on the PGA and Championship Tours.

He was the mentor for a number of individuals that also became club professionals, teaching professionals, and greens superintendents.

Bud was a life-long member professional of the Professional Golfers Association in the Dixie Section where he served as President in 1958.

In addition, Bud received prestigious honors where he was recognized as “Professional of the Year” in 1978; and “Senior PGA Professional” in 1994.

Bud was the first inductee into the Dixie Section Professional Golfers Association Hall of Fame in 2001.

At one point in his career, Bud, his three brothers and one brother-in-law were all golf professionals, as were all three of his sons.

Following his retirement from the Selma Country Club, Bud went on to achieve his life-long endeavor of building his own golf course.

Bud has touched the lives of many individuals and will be greatly missed by friends, family and acquaintances.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home.

Services will be held at Meadowview Christian Church on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at 11:00 A.M with pastors Tim Stewart and Frank Calloway conducting and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing.

Burial will immediately follow at New Live Oak cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cahaba Hospice, Amedysis Health Care, or your favorite charity.

James Woodrow Smedley

James Woodrow Smedley, 90, of Jones, passed away Sunday February 27, 2005 at his residence after a brief illness.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday March 3, 2005 at Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church in Jones officiated by Rev. Ed Cumbie and directed by Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday March 2, 2005 at Lawrence Funeral Home.

Mr. Smedley is survived by his wife, Rubye Perkins Smedley of Jones, son, James T. Smedley 3 grandchildren Mark Smedley and his wife, Kathy, Mike Smedley, Todd Smedley, and Rebecca Smedley Ellzey; Great Grandchildren, Layce Smedley, Richard Moseley, Brandon & Rebecca Moseley, Hunter Smedley, Andrew, Owen & Catlyn Kilmury and Jim Smedley; and sisters-in-law: Grace and Evelyn Smedley, Evelyn P Crothers; brother-in-law, Robert V Perkins.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, Gray, John, and Hubert, and two sisters, Gertrude Word and Annie Parsons.

He was a life-long member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church

Serving as Active pallbearers will be Mark, Mike, Todd, and Jon Smedley and Don Parsons and Richard Moseley. Honorary Pallbearer will be John M. Parker.