Charles E. "Buddy" Lineberger's Obituary
CHARLES E. "BUDDY" LINEBERGER, 89
J.B. Lineberger Oil, Inc.
LAKELAND - Buddy Lineberger, 89, lifelong resident and "fuel oil & home heating oil man" passed away on June 29, 2014 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center due to respiratory failure.
Buddy was born January 20, 1925 in Lakeland, Florida to Jennings Boyd and Vera Rhyne Lineberger. Buddy is survived by his wife of 18 years, Liz Lineberger; sons Chuck (Janie) Lineberger, Jr., Rodney (Cheryl) Lineberger, Scott (Craig Beyer) Lineberger; daughter Tiffany Hood; step children Ervin (Gwen) Wilson, Erwin (Julie) Wilson, Kim (Kelly) Young; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and brother Donald (Doris) Lineberger.
He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Frances Lineberger; sisters Jenny Shores and Joyce Enfinger. Buddy was a member of the Highlands Park Nazarene Church and had been a member of the Sertoma Club for many years. Buddy was a husband, father and a hard-working businessman. He also was a man who had a passion for singing and during the years had been a member of the choir. He graduated from Lakeland High School and attended Florida Southern College. He joined the Army Air Force as a gunnery instructor on the B25 aircraft. His duty assignments took him to post war Europe. Upon returning home after the war he married his sweetheart, Mary Frances Mitchell. He joined his father, J.B. Lineberger and his brother Donald in the family owned business of JB Lineberger, Inc, where he served the community for 65 years as "fuel oil man". He built and owned the Grandma's Pantry Convenience Stores and built numerous custom homes in the greater Lakeland area.
Buddy was a gentle man and had the charisma of a "good ole boy"...he was a friend to many and easy to talk to. People would describe him as a man who never met a stranger. He always had a spark in his big blue eyes to match his quick wit. He will be missed but not forgotten.
A visitation will be held Tuesday from 6-8 at Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel. Funeral service will be Wednesday at 10 am at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Charles?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charles?
Share a story where Charles' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charles you’ll never forget.
How did Charles make you smile?