Mr. James Douglas Livesay, better known as Buddy, age 83 of Sparta, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 at his residence.

Buddy was born June 26, 1942 in Algood, Tennessee to the late Joe Hilary and Effie Velma Cooper Livesay. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. Following his military service, he had a 29 year career as a HVAC Technician with Carwile Mechanical in Cookeville. Buddy enjoyed traveling and camping, but most of all, he enjoyed time spent with his family.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by siblings Lillian Jo (John Estle) Nelson, Sheila Earline (Clarence Vestle) Nelson, Janice (Roy) McHenry and Clarence Burton (Judy) Livesay.

Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 20 years Lori Livesay

Children: Scott (Missy) Livesay, Sean (Rhonda) Livesay, Ashley Livesay, Derrick Livesay and Kayla (Chuck) Mitchell

Grandchildren: Colby, Caleb, Jalyn, Leia, Cade, Colt, Ashley, Aspen and Kiersten

Great grandchildren: Oliver, Owen, Waylon, Liam, Gracie and Emily

Nephews: John Nelson and Ron Nelson

Mother in law: Betty Hutchings

Sister in law and brother in law: Patty and Dean Day

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Peeled Chestnut Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8:00pm Monday at Hunter Funeral Home. John Wilson will officiate.

Colby Livesay, Caleb Livesay, Jason Richards, Robert Craig, John Nelson and Matthew Bennett will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Chuck Mitchell, Ronald Craig and Robert Dean Day.

The Livesay family would like to express a special thank you for the special love and care of Gentiva Hospice