Roland “Buddy” “Mudhole” Thomas McGovern, U.S. Navy 1st Class Petty Officer Ret., 74, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Maddox Funeral Home with Sammy Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Buddy was born February 12, 1949 in Front Royal, Virginia, son of the late Thomas Oliver McGovern, Jr., and Agnes Marie Pullen Chadwell.
He retired after 20 dedicated years as a 1st Class Petty Officer from the United States Navy.
He was a member of the Giles B. Cook Post 53 American Legion, The Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #829 in Front Royal, and the Colonel Samuel R. Millar Post 1860 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Surviving is his loving wife of 43 years, Linda McGovern; one son, Gary Huff (Katie) of Stanford, Florida; two daughters, Peggy Williams (Jimmy) of Chester Gap and Robin Bracken (Michael) of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister, Jane McGovern Williams (Jimmy) of Chester Gap; 12 grandchildren, Cynthia, Bobby, Cheyanne, Heather, Chance, Kayla, Kristin, Ashlee, Conner, Owen, Autumn, and Addison; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and Bertha Campbell, who was like a mother to him as she helped raise him.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 1 from 6-8 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Gary Huff, Mike Bracken, Jimmy Williams, Chance Larkin, Kurt Baxton, and Tommy Williams.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.
I am so happy to have known Buddy & I am so happy to call him my Brother-in-law, Buddy is/was a great person & he cared about everyone. Rest In Heaven Buddy, you will be loved & missed Dearly. Love Your Brother-in-law Daryl J Hull & Sister-in-law Carolyn Hull
Bud was always a bright spot coming into Sunday school! He’d always come give me a hug & make me laugh…I’m really going to miss him!
He was a really nice man. A good neighbor to me and the community. Bud is going to be missed. I know he’s looking down at his wonderful wife Linda and smiling. Rest in peace Bud. God has you in his arms now.
I am so sorry to hear of this Buddy was such a sweet and kind person my husband and I met he and Linda years ago at the campground he always could make everyone laugh as well as she. You will be missed my friend keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers.