of Little Rock, AR
January 31, 1941 - May 2, 2020
Our dad, Cecil F. ''Buddy'' Tackett, joined Mom in heaven on May 2, 2020. Buddy was born on January 31, 1941 to Jennie Cecil and Carol Tackett. The day his mom brought him home, his sister learned his name and proclaimed, ''That's the worst name I've ever heard, I'm calling him Buddy.'' Bless her!
He is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister, Carolyn; first wife, Carol Hencke Tackett, his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Guy Amsler; and the love of his life, Lucinda.
Memories of this way-to-honest man stay with his daughters, Cindy, Amy and Beth; his sons-in-law, Mark Murphy and Rob Shields; his cherished grandchildren, Jack and Joe Shields, and Zoe Murphy; his niece Cathy Rogers and nephews Guy and Chris Amsler; and his lifelong devoted friends, Jim Hawkins, Johnny Coggins, and Robert Trammel.
Dad shined brightest as a superior athlete. He played both offensive guard and defensive tackle for Little Rock Central when Central was the #1 high school football team in the nation. With a grand amount of perseverance, he earned the prestigious award of All-American, one of eleven given on 1956. Central High closed in 1957 but football continued. Buddy played during what should have been his senior year. After the season ended, he went, with no high school diploma, to the University of Arkansas to play as defensive tackle for the Hogs. With a tear in his eye, Dad said there is nothing in the world like running through the ''A'' before a game, with a packed house calling the Hogs. Dad lettered at the U of A, finishing his college football career in 1963 on ''the team that got them ready.'' He also finally earned a diploma. Finally. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity.
Buddy wore many other hats throughout his life. Dad served our great county in the Arkansas National Guard and Army Reserves during Vietnam. He retired with the rank of Major.
Dad also helped Pulaski Academy, from the very beginning, build a football program which has become a powerhouse in our state. He laid the sod, helped build the press box, ran the chains and helped start the weight program, giving his title of Mr. Arkansas some use.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the coveted title of YMCA Indian Princess Chief of the Chippewa Nation where he was proudly known as Big Blizzard, father of Snow Cloud, Snow Flake and Little Blizzard.
Buddy and Lucinda married in May of 1972, combining their families to create a new and improved model. He was always involved in his daughters' lives. He served as counselor to many teens that considered our home, their home. His fabulous daughters know more about football than any girl should.
He adored his three grandchildren and more often and necessary, professed to loving them more than his own girls. Thanks Dad!
Dad was a devoted Catholic and was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church where he assisted with many in the RCIA program. He loved the Eucharist and often dreamt of protecting it. He fittingly took the name Michael at his confirmation.
Dad cherished is wife and would want any memorials sent to Twentieth Century Club, 4011 Maryland Ave, Little Rock, Ar., 72204 for aid with those continuing their valiant fight with cancer.
A private memorial service will be held at Christ The King Catholic Church. You can view the service on Thursday, May 7 at 10:00 A.M. on the Christ The King Catholic Church YouTube channel.
We will miss this larger than life teddy bear forever. Please join me in his last cheer:
''Come on Razorback fans! Let's stand up and CALL THOSE HOGS! WOOO PIG SOOIE!''
Sign Guestbook
26 Condolence(s)
MICKEY MATTHEWS
Monday, August 21, 2023
Lost touch with Buddy. We shared many things from lifting in his family garage to Razorback fans. Widowers at a young age, we lifted up each other. A dear friend and role model in many ways, R.I.P. Buddy until we meet again.
Susan Greeson
Friday, May 8, 2020
I am saddened to hear of Mr. Buddy's passing. I had cut his hair for several years at Tanglewood Barber Shop and became aquainted with him. He was a bear when he needed to be but was always very kind and so nice to me. I so enjoyed our conversations in the shop and counted him as a friend. Thank you Father God for the time that we all shared with Mr. Buddy and please let him rest in sweet peace.
Susan
Lynne Binet Vaiden
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Cindy, Amy & Beth,
I’m saddened to hear of your dad’s passing but happy to know he is in Heaven with your mom. Celebrate his life! The obituary is beautiful, I learned so many things about your dad that I never knew or didn’t realize anyway as a high schooler! The part about the Indian princesses is priceless! Indeed your dad was obviously a very special man. Sending prayers your way for all of you and your families that you will be able to cherish the wonderful memories and not dwell on your sorrow.
Sincerely,
Lynne Binet Vaiden
Kala Rogers Albright
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Sending love and prayers!!! I have so many fond memories of your dad and Lucinda from when we lived at the top of the hill from them—not the least of which were when my dad would come over from Hot Springs & they would reminisce about their time at the U of A. He was a great neighbor, family man & Razorback through and through!!!
Bridgette White
Thursday, May 7, 2020
With Love Always
Robin Trammell Newton
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Dear Cindy, Amy, Beth, & Family,
I’m writing this memorial note for my father, Robert Trammell, because he’s unable to from assisted living in Little Rock. Like me, dad was greatly saddened to learn of Buddy’s passing. Telling dad about it over the phone was difficult, and we cried together for a while.
Then, with a few questions, dad began to tell me a few stories about their lifelong friendship. At the age of nine, “Bobby†Trammell moved into Buddy’s neighborhood on Peyton Street. Bobby spent so much time at the Tackett house that he called Buddy’s sister,“Sisâ€, and Buddy’s grandma, “Grannyâ€. I’m pretty sure he called Buddy some other names at various times too! Dad said that Buddy was the only man who ever beat him at arm wrestling, and that he was the only one to ever beat Buddy. Anyone who knew them in their youth and young adulthood will remember their devotion to weight lifting. Dad remembered that Mr. Tackett got Buddy a set of weights one year, and that was the beginning of it all. I can just picture the two of them trying to outlift the other one.
As dad’s best friend, Buddy was a fixture in our young lives. A big, boisterous, fun-loving man who had an unforgettable presence. One of my earliest memories, as a little girl of 4 or 5, took place at Mrs. Tackett’s house on Peyton, near the fire station, sitting in the front porch swing on a warm day surrounded by big, blue blooms of hydrangea. Dad had his ukulele, and sang “You are My Sunshine†to me on their front porch. I will always associate love and kindness with Buddy. Like my father said, it was a privilege to have known him. Rest In Peace, Buddy.
Don Renshaw
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Buddy Tackett for many years as a personal friend and as an organization colleague. Although he could come across as a "Tough" guy, when you got to know him he was one of the kindest and most soft-hearted people you could ever meet. He was friendly, reliable, and would always assist those who needed help.
I used to work out with Buddy and we were kind of the "tall and short" of it. He called me "short round" (I think that he got that from one of the Indiana Jones movies} and I kidded him about not being able to catch me. I always valued our good natured relationship and banter. I will miss seeing my friend, My condolences to all of the family. Don Renshaw
Claude and Karen Fulton
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Great man! Great friend!
Michael Crist
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
So much to say.
I wish I had been able to spend more time with Buddy and had been able to know him better. Buddy became both a hero and inspiration to me, an eighth-grader, amidst the tumult of the 1957-58 school year in Little Rock. Reports of his physical strength and football prowess wafted through town, assuming mythical proportions.
Fast forward half a century to 2007. Buddy was one of two protagonists in a play--partly historical, partly fictional--I wrote concerning Little Rock in 1957 and the lore and history of Central High School. In conversations with Buddy, I apologized for playing fast and loose with fifty years of his life. As we talked, it became obvious that the real Buddy Tackett was every bit the hero and inspirational figure I had fictionalized.
He will be missed by all of us who properly admired and respected him.
Michael Crist
Hohenwald, TN
John and Georgianna
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
We are so sorry for the loss of this very special friend. May you be sustained during these times by the outpouring of love and comfort of family and friends. Life will simply not be the same, but he will always be in our hearts.
Lisa Gardner Ring
Monday, May 4, 2020
Cindy, Amy, Beth and Families,
What a terrific tribute to your “larger than life†dad! I know he had a big smile on his face as he reunited with your mom. I hope that brings you comfort and peace in the days ahead.ðŸ™
Stephanie Stafford
Monday, May 4, 2020
Buddy was such a kind soul. He offered to help my family during a financial hardship. It touched me just for his offer of support. He was such a good man and will treasure his memory. I hope to carry his examples of generosity forward.
Joyce Fowler
Monday, May 4, 2020
Buddy was a larger than life individual who touched so many people. May your family be surrounded by the love and support during your time of loss.
jim morehead
Monday, May 4, 2020
I knew Buddy from our time in the Army Reserve and we continued our friendship. Even though we went to high school at the same time I only went to LR Central one year I certainly knew about him. We had a lot of good of good times at annual summer training. He certainly will be missed.
CDR James Dunkle SC USN(Ret)
Monday, May 4, 2020
RIP Brother Tackett.
Terry Barket
Monday, May 4, 2020
Gary and I met Lucinda and Buddy when Lucinda and I were active members in the Twentieth Century. The four of us had so much fun performing in the Charity Ball!
And later, Gary and I had the pleasure of teaching two of the girls in Sunday School at St. James.
You all will be close in my thoughts, prayers and heart...
Peace.
Terry Barket
Rose Paige
Monday, May 4, 2020
Girls I’m so sorry for your loss. I did not know that your mom had deceased until I read about your dad. I’m so saddened to hear about them both. Lucinda was my dear friend in nursing school. We lost touch with each other after we got out. Loved them both. Prayers for you all.
Rose
Judy Carol Zorn
Monday, May 4, 2020
To all of "Buddy's" family & friends, I just learned of his passing this morning by a mutual friend, co-worker - Sherry Runk. I worked with her at Chilton Accts. Receivable. Buddy was the best boss ever when I worked for Southern Collections back in the 90's. He and Charley Daniels were quite a pair to say the least. I remember one birthday party we had in our tiny break room and Buddy was dancing to the music on the radio. It was a show. And, I still have the pictures of that party. I am so sorry for your loss. But he will be missed and I will never forget him. God bless all of you at this sad time.
Gy Alexander
Monday, May 4, 2020
I loved Buddy. He and Randy had so much fun. One time Randy and Buddy went to some kind of sporting event and met up with my cousin Harold Horton. Buddy so enjoyed that night. He also scolded me about what he thought I shouldn’t be doing on my own, i.e., driving to Maine that one summer by myself!!
Raymond Hodges
Monday, May 4, 2020
Buddy, Thanks to you and Lucinda for being great neighbors to me for almost 30 years. I really appreciated the kindnesses of both of you and our many visits.
James and Carol Hendren
Monday, May 4, 2020
So sorry to hear of your loss. Buddy was a great friend. Loved our interaction through CAEA. Prayers. James and Carol
Porter briggs
Monday, May 4, 2020
I remember buddy with great pleasure. And I remember him just as his obituary was written about him. My condolences to his family. Porter Briggs
Merle Johnson
Monday, May 4, 2020
I worked with Buddy at Reynolds Metals Company in Bauxite back in '65-'66 in the labor pool. At the time I had gotten out of the Air Force and he had finished at the UofA. I was planning to go UCA at Conway but Buddy recruited me long and hard every day to go to Arkansas instead. He was a great salesmen and I enrolled there and it was a great decision. Never saw him or got the chance to thank him for the inspiration of that decision. Buddy was a good worker, a fine man and inspiration and I am thankful for the brief time I spent with him.
Bobbye Burk
Monday, May 4, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. May you find peace and comfort through your faith in God.
Sherry Runk
Monday, May 4, 2020
My prayers to the Family. Buddy was the kindest and most generous gentleman I have ever worked for. He had a heart of Gold and always believed in doing the right thing. Hard to imagine he is gone. We had great talks and miss those talks. At the time Buddy hired me in the early 90s I had another great job offer. I chose him because of his integrity and work ethic. Thank you Buddy for all you did for me and my Family. May you Rest In Peace. Love from your Old Collection Manager Sherry â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ˜‡
Greg and Jennifer Predmore
Sunday, May 3, 2020
We were so blessed to have known your father. we loved to see how much he loved his family and his wife. He will be missed. Much love
Greg and Jennifer