Buddy owned and ran Stephens Machine Shop for many years, prior to1985, in which many family members worked at one time or another. He wasone of the best Machinist in Gaston County. In 1994 he moved toCharleston, SC. In 1996 he owned Quality Construction & Paint. On Dec.30 , 1997 he had a light stroke and was taken to Trident Hospital whereafter several hours he was given a blood clot busting drug. Between 8am& 9am the next morning the drug had caused a massive hemerige in thebrain and killed him. I was there when the 100cc of the drug was given tohim and beleive that too much was given. If your thoughts of him make you sink, I've put my thoughts to ink. There are not many days that go by That thoughts of my father and my day don't tie There are no good or bad thoughts Just times that can't be bought Sometimes I smile As many memories pile As I remember The times I saw him smile Only once did I see him cry But I know of many times His heart he had to pry There were times As I seen him fret I knew some things In his heart he had to regret He had a heart that was kind Many like it is hard to find He had a temper and was stern Maybe that is what made me learn He loved his family near His brothers and sisters dear He loved his mom and his dad When he left He was sad For each of you He would say Love each other each day And for the Lord stand to stay He holds in my heart a place That my mind can only trace But he is not far And now I know He will never tar Now as he spreads his wings For us all to the Lord he sings All the time I had with him Will be forever mine It's been a year Since so many thoughts As even from heaven He reaches down and wipes my tear