Ashley Lafayette "buddy" Huey Jr.

Died

HUEY, JR., Ashley Lafayette "Buddy" Ashley Lafayette "Buddy" Huey, Jr. passed away November 4, 2019, in Rockwall, Texas at the age of 74. Buddy was born August 31, 1945, in Pelham, Georgia to the late Ashley L. Huey Sr. and Thelma Brinkley Huey. Buddy is survived by son Ashley L. "Tripp" Huey, III, sister Betty Ann Huey Brinkley, granddaughter Olivia Paige Huey, and niece Stacey Kelley. He is preceded in death by his son Daniel Ruston Huey, sisters Doris H. Williams and Margaret H Bracewell and nephews Michael R. Gay and Scottie Williams. He received an undergraduate degree from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and a Master's degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chorale & Orchestral Pedagogy. Buddy had a passion for the Lord and a passion for music. He began his career as a music/youth pastor at Urban Park Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas in 1969. Under his leadership, a large youth choir was built that toured the southern United States proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ via music. The lives of many young people, including the choir members, were changed forever as a result. He went on to become an accomplished record producer and a leading figure in the transition of Christian music from Gospel to contemporary rock to reach a new generation. He transformed Word Records after joining in 1976 and later founded a new Christian label, Priority for CBS. Buddy was on the leading edge of the burgeoning contemporary Christian Music world in the 1970's and 80's. This was during the age of the "Jesus Movement" when Christian music grew exponentially, and Buddy's work was a big part of that growth. He signed a number of recognizable names that included Johnny Cash, Amy Grant, B.J. Thomas, Cindy Cruse, Gladys Knight, Cynthia Clawson and scores of others. Buddy's God guided life led him to other production and musical endeavors including serving as Pastor of Music Ministries at Hoffmantown Baptist Church Albuquerque, NM in 1974. Buddy's personal drive and incredible talent in Christian Music quickly made Buddy the leader in church music for the State of New Mexico. His choir flourished in presenting the gospel through music. After leaving Albuquerque Buddy joined the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association serving as advance Choir Director to Cliff Barrows. Buddy was charged with molding the thousands of members of local choirs into one voice for Crusade choirs. Bill Graham himself was the person who recommended Buddy to Word Records as their new VP of artists and recordings. In 1999 Buddy served on the music staff at City Church in Oklahoma City, under the ministry of Dr. Richard Hogue. Throughout his life, Buddy Huey's ministries and career and his faith and trust in God remained true. Buddy's friends are hosting a celebration of Buddy's life on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 1:00 P.M. held at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location, 2500 St Hwy 66 East Rockwall, TX 75087. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the non-profit Morgan Safenet Foundation, Inc. 660 Bryson Lane Midlothian, TX 76065 or donate online at www.MorganSafenet.com Supporting the Rescue and Re-homing of Morgans and other Breeds of horses in need.

Source: Dallas Morning News

Published on: 10-11-2019