Buddy Rejonis, Sr.

Buddy Allen Rejonis, Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, due to congestive heart failure. Born on September 13, 1938, in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania, Buddy moved to Birmingham, Alabama, as a young child when his father was transferred to work for the U.S. Bureau of Mines. It was in Birmingham where Buddy would put down roots, build a family, and leave a lasting mark on those who knew him.

Upon graduating from Phillips High School, Buddy proudly served six months of active duty in the U.S. Marines. Following his service, he attended the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for a year before returning to Birmingham to begin his working life in the coal mines following in his father’s footsteps. Soon after, he married Harriet Marie Van Syckle, and together they raised their family—sons Buddy “Allen” Jr., Howard Joseph “Bo,” and Brent Ashley, and daughter Melissa Ann—in the city he called home. Buddy’s career soon shifted from the mines to finance where he worked with companies like Termplan, American General, and Manufacturers Hanover (Chase), showcasing his skills in savings and loan operations. In his final decade of work, he moved to Orlando, Florida, spending 10 years as a cash handling specialist for the Walt Disney Company—a fitting capstone to a varied and full career.

An avid fisherman, Buddy knew Alabama’s freshwater lakes like the back of his hand with Lake Martin holding a special place in his heart. There, he and his family built lasting memories over the years in the family cabin. His passion for fishing earned him a moment of local fame when he was featured in The Birmingham News sports column, “Lowry’s Outdoors,” proudly displaying two prize catches and sharing his expert tips on landing the big one. Buddy’s love for the outdoors and passion for fishing will live on in those who knew him.

Buddy is survived by his former spouse, Harriet Rejonis; his son, Buddy “Allen” Rejonis, Jr. and wife, Beverly; his daughter, Melissa Ann Shackelford and husband, Reverend Doctor Ray Shackelford; and his son, Brent Ashley Rejonis. He was preceded in death by his son, Howard Joseph “Bo” Rejonis. He also leaves behind his brother, Joseph Allen Rejonis, Jr.; a cousin, Raymond “Byron” Askins; along with 2 nieces, a nephew, 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

A service honoring Buddy’s life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Jefferson Memorial in Birmingham, Alabama, where family will gather to honor his life.