ROY "BUDDY" BALLARD FRENCH, JR.

Roy "Buddy" Ballard French, Jr, 81 of Bluefield, VA, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Monday, August 31, 2020. Born in Bluefield, VA, he was the son of the late Edith Mildred Breckenridge French. He was a lifelong member of Graham Christian Church. Buddy was proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed fishing and bowling. In 2001 Buddy retired from the banking industry with over 40 years of service. He was passionate about his family and loved them dearly. He was a "people person" and it brought him great satisfaction to serve and help others. He was a friend to many and will be loved and missed by all. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister: Nancy Yost Clements.

He will be lovingly and affectionately missed by his wife of over 56 years: Lynne Hinkle French of Bluefield, VA; his daughters: Kimberly Nipper and husband, Chris of Bluefield, VA and Krista Weaver of Roanoke, VA; grandsons: Preston Nipper, Carter Nipper, Parker Weaver and Brayden Weaver; sister: Margaret Farmer of Falls Mills, VA; special friend who was like a son to him: Todd Day and wife, Jenni; and his morning breakfast buddies, "The ROMEO Club" (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

A memorial service to celebrate Buddy's life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 12:00 P.M. at Graham Christian Church with Rev. Gary Lyons officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to Graham Christian Church, 1101 Virginia Avenue, Bluefield, VA 24605.

Dudley Memorial is serving the French family.