Clayton "Buddy" J. Sawyers

Clayton J. “Buddy” Sawyers was born on September 26, 1926, in Baird, TX to Delbert and Opal Sawyers. He joined the United States Marine Corps on March 20, 1944. He fought during WWII and even had a part in the famous Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. He was honorably discharged on July 27, 1946. Buddy married Barbara Bates on January 21, 1949. They had three children, Mike, John, and Elizabeth. Buddy and Barbara were divorced in 1967. Buddy was a fireman and a truck driver after the war. In 1958 Buddy moved to Grand Prairie, TX. He soon went to work at Graff Chevrolet. Buddy worked for Graff Chevrolet from 1958 until his death in 2022. He loved the many years he worked at Graff Chevrolet. He loved working for Mr. Al Graff and stood side by side with him up until his death in April of 1997. Mr. Stan Graff took over the company in 1997. Buddy began to work for Mr. Stan Graff, and the two developed a great friendship that would last until his death. Buddy made many lifelong friends selling cars and helping to manage the entire dealership. The family is grateful for the love the Graff family has shown Buddy over these past 64 years. Buddy and Judy were married on March 4, 1968. They were faithfully married for over 53 years. Judy’s son Greg Thomas Fanning instantly became a part of Buddy’s life. Buddy and Judy loved the Lord. Buddy accepted Christ as his personal Savior in a cotton field near Baird, TX at the age of 8. Buddy and Judy have been faithful members of Hampton Road Baptist Church for many years. Buddy served as a door greeter and head usher in his church. “…I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalm 84:10B Together, Buddy & Judy traveled on many trips around the world to places like Israel, Africa, etc. Their goal was to witness to others about their salvation. Buddy went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at his home in Red Oak, TX. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents Delbert and Opal Sawyers, his brothers Delbert Mac Sawyers and Billy Fred Sawyers, and his son John Sawyers. He is survived by his wife Judy Sawyers of Red Oak, sister Wanda Becknall of Idalou, son & daughter in law Mike and Alice Sawyers of Holly Lake, daughter & son in law Elizabeth & Karl Ogdie of Edgewood, son & daughter in law Gregg and Laurie Fanning of Burleson, 13 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials or donations be made to either the Hampton Road Baptist Church 400 N. Hampton Road DeSoto, Tx. 75115 or Bristol Hospice Pathways, 115 Park Place Blvd., #100, Waxahachie, TX 75165.