Ray C. "Bud" Willey Iii

JEFFERSON – Ray C. “Bud” Willey III, 60, of Meadows Road, died of a sudden illness at home, Friday afternoon, November 3, 2023.

Bud was born in Lancaster, NH, on October 4, 1963, the son of Ray Carl Willey II and Janet E. (Bailey) Willey. He was raised in Whitefield and at an early age started working in the logging business for his father. He worked his entire life as a logger and continued to work for a time for Ray II. He later worked for Luther Crowe Trucking and for Luther’s son, Chris Crowe, at Timberwolf Logging.

Bud’s love of the outdoors and the woods also carried over to his personal life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. He also enjoyed farming and raising various animals including beef and pigs.

Surviving family members include his longtime partner of 28 years, Tia Flanders of Jefferson; his son Ray Carl Willey IV and wife Sam of Maine; two granddaughters, Brailey and River; his siblings, Jane Schmucker of Fort Collins, CO, Melanie Whitney of Lancaster, Lisa Wheeler of Florida, Douglas Lyon of Dalton, W. Joe Willey of Dalton; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews. Bud was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, John Lyon and Robert Willey.

A graveside service will be held Saturday morning, November 11th at 11:00 AM in the Forest Vale Cemetery, Jefferson. Life Cycle Celebrant, Deborah Szauter, will officiate.