Orban F. "Buddy" Epperson

Orban F. “Buddy” Epperson, 80, of Pampa, died February 25, 2016 in Fredericksburg. Services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, February 29, 2016, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, and Joe Mabry, officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Epperson was born June 24, 1935 in Pampa, and was a 1953 graduate of Pampa High School. He was a member of the ROTC at West Texas State University, and was a member of the National Guard for six years. Buddy and Joyce had been married 61 years, eloping when they got married. Buddy worked for Celanese for 30 years and Modern Woodmen of America for 13 years. He owned and operated Epperson Furniture, Epperson Suzuki and Epperson Camper Sales. He served on the PISD School Board for seven years. He was a member, and loved Everyman’s Sunday school class. He spent many years camping and riding motorcycles with the Texas Panhandlers Camper Club. He played softball and was well known for his pitching skills. He was an avid bowler and golfer, and played golf the day before his passing. He and Joyce spent 20 years wintering in Fredericksburg in their motor home. There, they made lifelong friendships. Buddy was instrumental, and worked tirelessly in bringing a public golf course to Pampa; Hidden Hills Public Golf Course. He served as president of Pampa Public Golf Association, and was very proud and honored to have hit the first golf ball at the grand opening of Hidden Hills. He was also a member of the National Association of Purchasing Managers. He was considered a “professional joker player!” He made many joker board sets by hand, which were highly sought after by family and friends. He was an obnoxious sports fan who loved the Pampa Harvesters, Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Epperson of the home; a daughter, Zindi Richardson and husband Mickey of Amarillo; a son, Mark Epperson and wife Mary of Amarillo; grandchildren, Shaylee Piland and husband Barry of Abilene, Jody Richardson and wife Lenna, and Monte Epperson, all of Amarillo, and Matthew Epperson and wife Ashley of Plano; great grandchildren, Alex and Evan Burling and Braxten and Walker Piland, all of Abilene, and Jerren Richardson of Amarillo; two brothers-in-law, Dwayne Furgason and wife Frances, and J. L. Furgason and wife Helen, all of Pampa; sister-in-law, Betty Epperson of Georgetown; and numerous nieces and nephews. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Orban S. and Minnie Frances Epperson; two sisters, Nancy Timmons and Jean Johnston; and a brother, W. C. Epperson. Memorials may be made to Everyman’s Sunday school or First Baptist Church, PO Box 621, Pampa, Texas 79066-0621, or the American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, Texas 75231. The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.