John Thomas “Buddy” Laney, 91
August 17, 1935 – October 15, 2026
TUPELO / WATER VALLEY – John Thomas “Buddy” Laney, 91, of Water Valley, MS, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2026 at his son’s home in Water Valley, where he moved a year ago due to declining health. Born August 17, 1935, in Tupelo, MS, to Rev. John B. Laney and Brookie Wilson Laney, Buddy served in the Air Force, drove an eighteen-wheeler for many years, and was known as Hatband on the CB radio. Buddy lived much of his adult life in the Belden/Macedonia area. Hunting, fishing, watching sports on TV and watching hummingbirds were his four favorite hobbies.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Margaret Boland, Bobby Laney; wife Charlotte Owens, wife Jamie Bagget Witcher, mother of his children; son, Chuck Laney; and grandchild, Naomi Faith Taylor.
Buddy is survived by a brother, Paul Laney; son, Doug Laney (Brenda); daughters, Linda Taylor (Darryl), and Suzanne Laney. His grandchildren are Taylor Laney (Sarah Monroe); Charla Laney (Kyle Prewitt), and Jacob Laney; Ema Johnson (Ethan), Sara Taylor (James Atkinson), David Taylor (Almeta), Jonathan Taylor, and Joel Taylor; and bonus grandchild, Chastity Benjamin.
Buddy’s great-grandchildren are Owen and Lars Johnson; Benjamin and “Baby” Taylor; and bonus great-grandchildren Trace, Mackinzie, and Sophie Benjamin. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A service honoring Buddy’s life will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with his son in law, Bro. Darryl Taylor officiating. Private family burial will follow in Union Cemetery at Belden. Visitation will begin at Noon Wednesday and continue until service time. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 2 PM Wednesday and will be archived thereafter.
Pallbearers include Jerry Bright, Jacob Laney, David Taylor, Ben Wengryn, Harrison Wengryn, and Walker Westbrook. Honorary Pallbearers are Rufus Ross, Jonathan Taylor, and Joel Taylor.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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