William Edward Dollins, Jr.

William Edward (Buddy) Dollins, Jr., SMSGT USAF (Retired), of Lillian, Alabama passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born on February 21, 1934, in Faunsdale, Alabama. At the time of his death, he had been married to Mary Sue Sherrod Dollins for 67 years.

Buddy joined the United States Air Force in 1952 with his first duty assignment in Mobile, Alabama. He then spent the next few years of service performing jet engine maintenance in Japan and Korea. He was then assigned to work on the presidential aircraft with the 89th Airlift Wing, transferring to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where he spent the rest of his career. While on active duty, he served under Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon. After retiring from the Air Force in 1972, Buddy spent a full career as a civil servant, performing aircraft and flight-line maintenance at Andrews. He retired from civil service in 1995 and enjoyed a long retirement with his wife, Sue.

A talented mechanic who could repair everything from a lawn mower to a jet engine, Buddy spent his time fixing and repairing various project vehicles or repairing engines large and small for family and friends. Most days, he could be found “tinkering” in his garage or workshop. He was a devoted husband and father who demonstrated the value of a strong work ethic every day of his life.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Sue; his children Valerie Bowen (Jim Lindsey) and Bill Dollins (Muriel); grandchildren Alex Bowen (Shyla Gibson), Aidan Dollins (Victoria), Riley Dollins (Issac Fournier); and his great-granddaughters, Abigail and Charlotte.

A graveside service will be held at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama at 10:00am on July 18, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Buddy’s memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

34463 HWY 98, BLDG. A

LILLIAN, AL 36549

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