Somone once told me that he had President Ronald Reagan on speed-dial. I believe it.
Buddy Leger was a figure larger than life. He was Mr. Republican, Mr. Farmer, Mr. Watermelon man.
Buddy left this world on February 28, 2025. It will take dozens of people and years to fill the shoes of this one man.
Buddy once told me that in his early years, everyone knew how he voted in a primary because his was the only Republican ballot cast. Republicans running for statewide office had Buddy at the top of their list for support. If you did not have his support, then it was most likely that you would not get very far.
I recall one conversation about a Republican elected official. There was a bill coming up that had a provision harmful to agriculture. Buddy advised the official that he would lose the farm vote if he voted for it. He chose not to listen to Buddy’s advice and the next election, he lost.
Buddy was an unassuming man. His slow drawl and calm demeanor showed on the outside, but on the inside, Buddy was wheeling and dealing at the speed of light.
With so many connections, one might think that it would be hard to get in to see him. When I called on him, he would say, “Come on by to see me.” When I got there, he wanted to sit and talk for a while. Buddy never seemed to be in a hurry, but he got things done.
Buddy’s obituary is filled with awards and leadership roles. He was tapped to be the agriculture representative on the transition team between the Reagan and Bush presidencies. He was such an influence in the agriculture community that his photo hangs in hallowed halls of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture.
Buddy was a man of strong faith in Jesus Christ. He knew that achievements in this life, as important as they might be, paled in the light of eternity. His generosity touched numerous lives without drawing attention to himself.
Buddy was one of my strongest supporters, but more than that, he was a friend. We will all miss him.
See Rainey Funeral Home for the obituary and funeral arrangements.
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