Obituary of Robert Leslie Oxendine

OXENDINE, Robert "Buddy" Leslie, Sr. Mr. Robert "Buddy" Leslie Oxendine, Sr., 73, of Ocala, died Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albemarle, NC on January 31, 1938 to Leslie and Mary Elizabeth Oxendine, he was raised in Marshville, NC. After completing training for the Army Reserves at Fort Bragg, NC in 1955, he met his soul mate Billie Jean in Miami, FL, whom he married May 16, 1958. In 1970, he moved his family from Miami to Belleview, FL where he was involved in many fundraising and community projects over the years, including the establishment of the Belleview Ballpark. Mr. Oxendine spent most of his career in Pharmacy Management for Fedco Drug Stores until he retired in 2000. Buddy enjoyed being outdoors, camping, fishing, bowling, working in the yard but mostly enjoyed being with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wonderful wife of 50 years, Billie Jean Oxendine, and three precious grandsons. He is survived by his four children, Sherri Meadows (Bert) of Ocala, Robert Oxendine, Jr. (Mandy), of Summerfield, Kimber Merriam (Lauren) of Ocala, and Jennifer Speck (Paul) of Ocala, and grandchildren Daniel, Abby, Maci, Emily, Rebekah, Robbie, Jackson and Olivia, as well as his sisters, Nancy Stewart and Jane Tarlton of Marshville, NC. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, February 20, 2011, at College Park Church of God, 3140 SW 26th Street, Ocala, with Pastor James Fleming officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Saturday at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.