James "Buster" O. Blythe, Jr.

Mr. James “Buster” O. Blythe, Jr. passed away January 1, 2018, at Beacon Place of Hospice surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held 10:00am Thursday at Southside Baptist Church with Dr. Howard McNeill and Dr. Sandra Bovender officiating. The burial will follow at Guilford Memorial Park.

Buster was born March 12, 1932, in Mecklenburg County to the late James and Ophelia Blythe.  His family relocated to Winston-Salem and he was educated at Mineral Springs High School. While a teenager he delivered telegrams. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean Conflict and served as an Aerial Photographer. On January 1, 1954, he married his childhood sweetheart, Elizabeth “Libby” Maye Whitworth. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, he sold insurance; worked for Wake Forest College; and after pursuing engineering studies was employed by Western Electric Company in 1957. He retired in 1989.

Mr. Blythe was affectionately called “Buster” by family members, “Jim” by work associates, and “Pipaw” or “Baba” by his grandchildren and great-grands. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

Because of his fine bass voice, Buster sang with The Red Teague Trio before he entered the Navy. Later, he sang with the Blythe Family for over 40 years and was awarded many music awards, including the Grand Champion Trophy five times from the annual state singing conventions held in Benson, NC.

Mr. Blythe was ordained a Deacon in 1977. He was an active member of Southside Baptist Church. He was also Past Master of P.P. Turner Lodge #746 of Greensboro.

 Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Margo Butts and two brothers, Phillip and William Blythe.

Buster is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth “Libby” Whitworth Blythe; daughter, Cheryl Blythe (and special friend, Kimberly Rathburn); grandchildren, Stephen, Stephanie, Blythe and Jana and great-grandchildren, Bene Daye, Joey, Hannah, Levi and Margaux. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Lassiter Blythe, Sr. along with Nieces and nephews and many friends.

The family will receive friends 5-7:00pm Wednesday at George Brothers Funeral Service.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, medical staff, family, and friends for their care during his illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro or to Southside Baptist Church.