William "Buddy" Andrew Walser, Jr.

William Andrew Walser, Jr., lovingly known as Buddy, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, just eight days shy of his 79th birthday.

A service honoring Buddy’s life will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Troy First Baptist Church, located at 401 E Main St, Troy, NC 27371, officiated by Pastor Nick Allen. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

He was born in High Point, NC, raised in Asheboro, and spent most of his life in Troy, where he built a quiet, steady life centered on service, family, and devotion. In September 1981, Buddy married the love of his life, Debra Brady Walser. Their enduring partnership of more than 43 years was grounded in loyalty, strength, and deep commitment. Though Buddy had no biological children of his own, he proudly helped raise Katera Smith and Danny Gray as his own offering them the steady presence, protection, and love that helped shape their lives.

Buddy’s career in law enforcement began in 1975 in Randolph County, where he served first as a jailer, and then as a deputy sheriff. In 1978, he moved to Troy in Montgomery County, where he continued his service as a deputy sheriff. From 1981 to 1994, Buddy held the position of Chief Deputy in Montgomery County under Sheriff Wayne Wooten. After Sheriff Wooten’s retirement in 1994, Buddy continued his service to the state as a Correctional Officer with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, where he remained committed to public safety. He later joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as a Motor Carrier Inspector in January 1995. Buddy retired from Troop E, District E9 on November 30, 2003.  He started out with the motor carrier unit and after the merger, became a state trooper with 8 years of service to the highway patrol. Buddy deeply valued the brotherhood of law enforcement. No matter his rank or title, he took great pride in the work and the people who served alongside him. Even after retirement, his respect and loyalty to that bond never faded.

He was known for his loyalty, strength, tireless work ethic, and generous spirit. He was a true provider for his family and the kind of friend who always showed up when someone needed a hand.

Buddy’s love for golf was a constant throughout his life. It was a true passion, something he looked forward to, took pride in, and shared with others. After retiring, he began fulfilling his dream of driving the country roads with Debbie and working on muscle cars with his best friend and road partner, Bobby Almond. Whether they were hunting down classic parts or cruising to the next project, they made the most of every mile. Wednesdays and Fridays were always reserved for golf, but the rest of the week, you’d find Buddy and Bobby on the road, chasing down their shared passion. He and Debbie also shared a love for classic car shows, often driving together to events where Buddy proudly showcased his restored cars earning multiple Best in Show trophies over the years. It wasn’t just about the cars it was about the people, the memories, and the stories he carried with every ride. He especially loved passing that knowledge on to his grandchildren, who were often treated to “Buddy’s lessons” on golf, cars, and life—whenever they were willing to listen. Above all, Buddy valued family time. While raising Katera and Danny, there was never a night without a shared family meal. He believed in teaching the small but vital things, such as paying bills, how to be a person of your word, how to help those in need, and most importantly, how to follow in the footsteps of their mother, who led their home with strength and grace.

Buddy’s greatest joy came from his family. He was a proud grandfather to Conner Smith (Kristie), Avery Smith, Brendon Stuart, Dalton Gray, and Delana Gray, each of whom brought light to his life in their own way. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Harris (Johnnie). He was preceded in death by his parents, William Andrew Walser, Sr., and Alma Billings Walser, and paternal, Aunt Etta Walser. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org), P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org), 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, both causes that reflect the values Buddy held close to his heart. In honor of Buddy’s lifelong love of cars, the family warmly invites any of his fellow car enthusiasts to drive their classic vehicles to the service. Together, they will take Buddy on one final ride through the town he loved so much.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the family.

American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown MD 21741
Web: https://donate.cancer.org

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island NY 10306
Web: https://t2t.org