James "Buddy" Waldrop

James "Buddy" Waldrop, a dairy farmer who devoted his life to the farming community and his family, died peacefully at his home on June 14, 2023. He was 74 years old.

Buddy was born on July 12, 1948, in Newberry, to the late Jefferson Carroll and Eva Mae Traylor Waldrop.  He served in the South Carolina National Guard. He returned to Newberry to begin his lifelong career as a farmer.

Buddy spent decades working on his farm and taking care of his family. In addition to his farming duties, he also worked for West Electric followed by Vintage Building Materials before finishing his career with Saluda River Resort.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He had been a member of the Young Farmers of America for several years. He also previously served as a volunteer firefighter with the Silverstreet Volunteer fire department.

Buddy was deeply devoted to his family and is survived by daughters, Jamie Waldrop Van Zadelhoff (Bobby Shirey) and Whitney Waldrop Cromer (Harry); a sister, Carol Ann McRacken (Cecil); a brother Jefferson C. Butch Waldrop and grandchildren James David Van Zadelhoff, Julia Collins Cromer, Harrison Everett Cromer.

A graveside service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 1:30 PM. The family will receive friends following the service.  Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 1167 Trinity Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108.

Buddy will be remembered as a hardworking, devoted farmer, and a man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to his neighbors and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Amy Hawkins Longshore, Erin Metts Willis, and Rev. Dr. Charles Pollock with Prisma Health Hospice for their many acts of kindness.