William S. "Buddy" Autry

William S. “Buddy” Autry, age 85 of Calhoun, GA, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Gordon Health and Rehabilitation following several years of declining health.

Buddy was born on October 6, 1939 in Plainville, GA, the son of the late Harold and Cora Newton Autry. Buddy was a graduate of Calhoun High School and a member of the Class of 1960 at Reinhardt College. He spent his life in public service, working first with the Calhoun Utility Department before being appointed Civil Defense Director for Gordon County. He was also the first President of the Cherokee Capital Fair in Calhoun. He then went on to become the Business License Inspector for the City of Rome where he retired in 2001. Buddy’s hobbies included Civil War Reenactment and storytelling, but he is best remembered as The Great Hieronymus or The Old Magic Man entertaining others with Magic shows at the fair, fall festivals or birthday parties. In his retirement he worked as an usher for the Rome Braves but nothing gave him more joy than painting with his great-grandson.

Buddy is survived by: his daughters, Debbie Autry and Donna Rinedoller and her husband David; granddaughter, Rebecca Rinedoller; the joy of his life his great-grandson, Noah Rinedoller; brothers, Dan Autry and his wife Pat, Marion Autry, and Newton Autry; nieces and nephews, Dena Wright, Angel Stanley, Dawn Autry, and Joe Autry; uncle and aunt, Fay and Polly Autry; several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins also survive. As well as Kristie Dixon, Robb Raymond, and Drew Nicholson whom he loved as family.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.

Funeral Services to celebrate the life of Buddy will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 1 PM from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Bud Owens officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. 

Pallbearers serving include: Dylan Stanley, Curtis Stanley, Bud Owens, Donald Taylor, Greg Wright, and Stan Chambers.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of William S. “Buddy” Autry.