James "Bud" Hollifield

Mr. James “Bud” Hollifield, age 85, of Marion, North Carolina, made the wonderful cross over into Heaven in the early morning hours of Friday, April 24, 2020 following a valiant battle with cancer at Mission Hospital-McDowell.  The son of the late William and Ruth Wiseman Hollifield, Bud was born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina on October 14, 1934.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Tommy Hollifield, Charles Hollifield and Bill Hollifield; two sons, James Hollifield Jr., Paul Hollifield.

In the early 1960’s Bud became the owner/operator of West Court Food Center in Marion where he came to be known as the working man’s friend and serving the citizens of McDowell County and surrounding and would deliver food and goods to customers. Many nights Bud would work late to stock and clean the store.  Known as having had a huge heart, he happily helped those in need. 

Bud briefly served as a councilman with the City of Marion in the 1970’s and was a volunteer firefighter with the Marion Fire Department.  Serving the community for more than 50 years, Bud had the honor of being selected to be the 2019 “Hometown” Christmas Parade grand marshal.  An active member of Cross Memorial Baptist Church in Marion, he was a pillar of the church; was on the food pantry committee; and working in the wood yard.     

Bud is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 40 years, Eunice Stepp Hollifield; two daughters, Cheri Miller (Clyde) and Pam Franklin; two sons, Mike Hollifield (Cheryl) and Tommy Hollifield; and one sister, Darlene Kerns (Bryce).  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his two feline companions, “Maggie” and “Screamer”. 

Due to the current COVID-19 epidemic and social distancing guidelines, the family will receive friends by having a drive-thru visitation on Monday, April 27, 2020 in the parking lot of Cross Memorial Baptist Church in Marion between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, a celebration of Bud’s life will be held at a later date and will be announced.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Hollifield’s memory are asked to consider, Cross Memorial Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1127, Marion, North Carolina 28752.