WESTMORELAND - Lt. Col. Bud Westmoreland, (USMC, Ret.), passed away Tuesday evening, May 2, 2017 at the age of 73.
He was born in Johnson City, TN and moved to Fernandina Beach in 1986. Previously he resided in Lakeridge, VA while stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Pentagon in Washington, DC.
Lt. Col Westmoreland retired from the U. S. Marine Corps after 25 years of service which included three tours of duty in Vietnam, commanding officer of the Marine division at Cecil Field, as well as many other duty stations and assignments over his career as a Marine Corps officer.
He was an avid golfer and loved watching all sports. He had a fantastic sense of humor and was always ready to tell a joke..even to a stranger. He was genuinely a caring and compassionate person as evidence by his continued work as an advocate for all medical professionals dealing with addictions for twenty years. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family - especially his grandchildren.
Lt. Col. Westmoreland was predeceased by his parents, Archie Palmer and Bessie Lee Westmoreland; his brother, John Westmoreland; and a granddaughter, Meagan Miller.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Janie Westmoreland of Fernandina Beach, FL; two daughters, Schery Collins (Mike) of Greenville, TN and Renee' Miller of Fernandina Beach; his sister Mary Kathryn Gladden, his brother Jimmy Westmoreland (Linda), His brother in-law Jerry Sowers (Becky), five grandchildren, Brad Adams (Misty), Curt Collins (Aly), Max Miller, Courtney and Amber Miller; and two great grandchildren, Addi Adams and Zaylei Adams.
A Private Memorial Service for friends and family will be held on May 6th. Full military honors will be provided by the U. S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to F.R.I.E.N.D.S (down syndrome support group) to make donation send to P.O. box 5677, Johnson City, TN 37602.