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Charles Alfred "Bud" McWilliams died Wednesday, August 22, at his home in Pleasure Ridge Park. He was 89. He and his wife Jessie were married 62 years until her passing in 2011.
Baptized Catholic and raised in western Louisville's Portland area, Bud used his quick wit and guile to distinguish himself among brothers Ed and Gene and sisters Marilyn and Judy. At 13, he, Ed and two friends trekked 338 miles to Richmond, Ind., and back on their bikes, eating bologna sandwiches and sleeping along the road on a trip his parents described to the Courier-Journal as "senseless."
He attended Manual High School, made the football and golf teams and worked as a caddy to earn spending money. In the school's shop program, he built his first pieces of furniture and would put these woodworking and carpentry skills to use later.
Carving ham for family gatherings, he often referenced the skills he acquired as a butcher at the A&P Supermarket. At American Standard, he demonstrated a relentless work ethic, sweating through 100-degree-plus temperatures applying glazing to newly manufactured bathtubs. As a member of the U.S. Navy Reserves, he learned about operating and maintaining giant diesel engines used in the fleet.
Bud entered the tool and die program at General Electric, completing his qualifications after four years of evening classes at the University of Louisville. A large part of his career was centered around the room air conditioner manufacturing operations at Appliance Park. As an advanced manufacturing engineer, Bud transitioned into GE's refrigerator manufacturing and supervised parts processes for its Tennessee and Alabama plants.
He rarely refused a project, especially the challenging ones. From a collection of parts tossed in the trunk, Bud rebuilt an engine, donned a welder's helmet and made his son's first car roadworthy. He proudly breathed life into a succession of family vehicles. He constructed an addition to the house, built a bar, installed skylights and used his ingenuity to build what was needed.
He regaled family and friends with an offbeat sense of humor, twisting words and phrases and generating an infectious, staccato laugh. Moe, Larry and Curly were among his favorites. He enjoyed watching the Packers, UK basketball and Star Trek. At 19, he married the "girl of his dreams," Jessie King, whom he met at the old Fontaine Ferry Park skating rink. They bowled together, socialized with friends and danced at the Moose Club. He treasured the disco dance competition trophies they earned from the Whispering Hills Country Club, and even installed a glittering disco ball in the house addition. Bud cherished his harmonica and kept close a list of go-to favorites. After Bud retired at 60, he and Jessie enjoyed several ocean cruises, visiting the regional casinos and exercising at the YMCA.Bud was born in Louisville on November 5, 1928. His parents, Matthias Valentine McWilliams and Agnes Batliner McWilliams, died in 1978 and 1964, respectively.
He is survived by three children: Michael (Martha) McWilliams, Terry (Peggy) McWilliams and Susan (Kim) Eisner; seven grandchildren: Alison Riley; Kyle (Bre) McWilliams, Megan (Ainsley) Jones, Erin McWilliams and Scott McWilliams; Ashley Eisner (Will) Beyer and Whitney Eisner; and seven great-grandchildren: Braden and Colin Riley; Peyton, Aubrey and Macey McWilliams; and Jensen and Jozy Jones. He is also survived by sisters Marilyn Peckinpaugh, Judy (Andy) Fuchs and brother Eugene (Betty) McWilliams; and their families, including that of the late Ed McWilliams.
Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 26, from 4:00 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 10907 Dixie Hwy., Louisville, Ky., 40272. Services will be held in the chapel at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27. Special thanks go to his caregivers, especially Shelli Small, for their assistance.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to Hosparus (by phone, 502-719-4117 or by mail, 3532 Ephraim McDowell Dr., Louisville, 40205.)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Advantage Funeral Home and Cremation Services Hardy Chapel.
3 Entries
February 9, 2021
Shelle Small
My condolences to the family, deepest sympathy to Sue. Bud was a remarkable person, who enjoyed laughter, music, and the outdoors. I enjoyed my time listening to stories of his youth, jobs, adventures and the love of his life, Jesse. Fly high hot rod.
August 27, 2018
Terry McWilliams
A sincere "thank you" to all who offered the family comfort and condolences during the last few days. Your expressions of love and care are very much appreciated.
August 24, 2018
Z Gant
my sincere condolences to the family and friends of mr. Mc Williams. At this difficult time we can get peace from our Creator. Ro. 15:33. Take care of yourselves.
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