Lawrence “Buddy” Edward O’Connor Jr., aged 80, of Jonesboro, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Born on May 14, 1944, in Walnut Ridge, he was the cherished son of the late Lawrence Edward Sr. and Maxine Truxler O’Connor.
Buddy honorably served his country for four years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a proud member of VFW Post #1991. Known for his love of life, he was an avid sports enthusiast, a fan of fast cars, liked watching ESPN, and enjoyed lounging by the pool, playing pool, sipping Coors, and watching westerns. Buddy’s greatest joy, however, was spending time with his beloved family. His generous spirit and friendly nature endeared him to everyone he met; he never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
In addition to his parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Diane O’Connor, and his three sisters, Jill O’Connor, Jenny Patterson, and Sandy Dulaney.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his daughters, Misti Waters (Tim) of Colorado, Jacenda Clark (Jon) of Paragould, and Jennifer Taylor of Bay; his three brothers, Bruce O’Connor (Rhonda) of Hoxie, and Benji Crawford (Stefanie) of Jonesboro, Jackie O’Connor (Gay) of Walnut Ridge, and his sister, Cathy Wilson of Rockford, IL. Buddy was also a proud grandfather to De’Shuna Waters, Ta’Quarius Waters, T’Keyah Waters, Kezmon Waters, Bria Waters, Elizabeth English (William), Chloe Taylor, and Crowley Clark, and a devoted great-grandfather to Zachary “Z-Bo” Waters, Bryson Waters, Bramya Jamison, Braleigh Jamison, Aaliya Waters, Braleyah Jamison, and Kingsleigh English.
A graveside service to honor Buddy’s life will be held on July 22, 2024, at Old Military Cemetery in Sedgwick, commencing at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Benji Crawford officiating. Serving as active pallbearers will be Timothy Waters, Benji Crawford, Bruce O’Connor, Kenny Jiles, Alan Huddle, Chris Montgomery, and Crowley Clark.