Buddy James Vestal

Mr. Buddy James Vestal, age 88, of Elkin passed away Monday, September 12, 2022 at Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation. Buddy was born January 30, 1934 in Surry County to the late Clifford Wheeler Vestal and Myrtle Brendle Vestal.

Buddy graduated from Elkin High School in 1952. He served in the Navy while being married to his late beautiful wife, Emaline Mitchell Vestal and starting their family. Buddy was well known for his café, “The Little Rebel”, the home of the Bigger Better Burger and his wonderful hot dogs with the best chili and slaw. He really shared the love and brought much happiness to many children and families being Santa Claus each year. Buddy was a NASCAR fan, collector of a large variety of memorabilia, and enjoyed watching sports, especially UNC and the NFL. He was a member of Elkin Valley Baptist Church since the late 1940s and sang in the choir. Buddy will be deeply missed.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sons, Mark Vestal, Mike Vestal, and Mitch Vestal; brother, Joe Vestal; sisters, Virginia, Frances Darnell, Annalee Gregory, Flora Jean Stoker, and Louise Houser.

Buddy is survived by his daughters, Jayme, Beth and her husband Zach; son, Stephen; grandchildren, Casey and his wife Amanda, Sunny and her husband Jeromey, Seth, Mary, Levi and his wife Lauren; great-grandchildren, Jace, Hudson, Mya, Eriana, Eviana, Emaline, Ezabelle, Elijah, Dillon, Jake, and Anna.

A celebration of life will be conducted at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 1427 Edgewood Dr., Suite 101, Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation, 700 Johnson Ridge Rd., Elkin, NC 28621.

The family would like to thank the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice and Chatham Nursing and Rehabilitation for their care.