Perot "Bud" Nevin Jr

November 17, 1920 ~ October 17, 2012
Perot Nevin, Jr. was born November 17, 1920 to Gertrude Daniels and Perot Nevin, Sr. He passed away October 17, 2012. Bud Nevin grew up in Philadelphia and New Hope, Pennsylvania, graduated from New Hope High School, and attended the University of Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Armed Forces at the outbreak of WWII and served his country as a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles, instructing soldiers in hand to hand combat. While stationed at Camp Hahn in California, he met Jean Sandefur at an Officers Club dance in Riverside. They were married June 12, 1943 after a whirlwind courtship. It is a love lasting 66 years. Bud enrolled in college after his discharge from military service, and received his college degree in physical education from the University of Redlands. He served as a coach, a teacher, and a principal in the Bloomington School District in Southern California. After a career in school administration, he retired to Hughes Springs, Texas as founder and CEO of Executive Fitness of America. The group pioneered exercise programs for astronauts in space and athletes such as the Minnesota Vikings. Bud was involved in many community activities, including being an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Hughes Springs for 40 years, serving as Sunday school teacher of the Wesley Fellowship Men's Class for more than 20 years. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and the American Legion, a Mason for 56 years, and a co founder of the Christian Life Service Center. The Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce honored Bud with the Lifetime Achievement award at their 2011 banquet. Preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Jean Sandefur Nevin; his parents; his sister Ann Windsor Fleming; grandson Russell Fraser Gordon. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Nancy Gordon, of Avinger, Texas, Perot Nevin III Pete, of Truckee, California, and Greta Wright and husband Rod, of Hughes Springs; grandchildren, Jennifer Maloney and husband Curtis, of Nashville, Tennessee, Becky McClure and husband Matt, of Atlanta, Texas, Roddy Wright and wife Leslie, of Frisco, Texas, Rocky Wright, of Hughes Springs, Brodie Gordon and wife Jennifer, of Chicago, Illinois, Rustin Wright, of Frisco, Texas, Tucker and Morgan Nevin, of Truckee, California; great grandchildren Haylee Nault and husband Todd, of Kilgore, Texas, Hannah, Shelby, and Rocky Wright, Savannah, Mallory, and Cooper McClure, Caden, Carson, Chase, Chloe Wright, Ayden Wright, Annabel and Georgia Gordon. Funeral services with military honors will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20, 2012 at First United Methodist Church in Hughes Springs. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 19, 2012 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left to www.reeder-davis.com
What a wonderful long full life. It is always so hard to let go of those we love. Our prayers are with you during this time of loss. Star, Chris, Jennifer, Robin, Brett and Baby Caleb!
There are times when the Lord blesses our lives with a countenance of His own glory. A reminder that all is not bad in the world, that goodness prevails, that "the good fight" is the best one and that, in the end, Love conquers all. For me, that countenance was Mr. Bud Nevin in the Spring of 1986 when I felt my world was falling apart. The ensuing years would see him writing me an occasional letter, or simply telling me that "you really are a winner" when I would see him in East Texas. He always wore a smile and would love to quote Philippians (the "Joy Epistle"). He forced his body into physical fitness daily, until it finally wore out. The loss of his one and only wife, Jeanie, took a lot out of him…but he remained strong for his kids, grandkids and even great grandkids as he knew he was the patriarch and loved to be in their presence. He inspired in me, and many others I'm sure, a spirit of duty and sacrifice to a greater good; that "retirement" was not an option as there was always good to be done. As kids, he would have us compete with one another and even with him. Always putting off the final decision with "best two out of three" and "best three out of five". Ultimately he would say "this one's for ALL the marbles!". Thank you for inspiring me, Uncle Bud, for driving me to be a better man. I will miss you,your smile and big booming voice; but look forward to seeing you and Miss Jean in heaven where there are no tears. I will be unable to attend the ceremony as I know you would want me to be about the work of teaching the Gospel to men who need to hear it. I am about the "good fight", because I know where you are and your voice reminds me…This one is for ALL the marbles! I'll see you at the Tree, Brandon Williams
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. He will be missed by family and friends dearly but how incredibly lucky we all are to have had this man touch our lives the way he did. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with all of you.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Bud was always such a joy to be around. I know that he will be sorely missed. May God enfold you in his loving arms and comfort you as only He can during the days ahead. Love, Carol Griffis
So grateful to have known Mr. Nevin for a short time; he was so proud of his family. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this time.Marlene Bohr
I can remember like it was yesterday when you were body surfing in Newport Beach with that silver swim cap of yours. You were one remarkable individual. My sincerest condolences to all of the friends and family. Mr. Nevin you will be dearly missed by all!
Nancy, Greta, and Rod-I always looked up to your father as a leader. He did many good things for Hughes Springs and the surrounding area. Hughes Springs is lucky for having he and your mother locate there. His was a life well lived & nobody loved their family more than Bud and Jean.
Gene and I join in your sorrow at your loss, but rejoice in knowing that Bud's homecoming will be a reunion with Jean where they will rest at peace in the Kingdom of God.
What a magnificent life he lived. Touched so many people with his kindness and understanding. He left a lasting impression on so many of us. My heartfelt condolences to your family.
What a wonderful man he was, and such a loving family. He will be missed.
A life well lived. Growing up I always held the following men as important, my father, Bud Nevin, Bob Alvarez and John Allen. I stopped my tears and comfort came from knowing that Uncle Bud was now with Jean. His legacy lives on (along with his DNA) in the lives of his children, grandchildren and in all of the great great grandchildren to come. He is one of those rare heros whose strength and love have truely made the world a better place. I will miss you with a smile as I think of so many memories. It has been an honor.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow . Nr. Nevin was such a joy to be around. May God enfold you in his loving arms and comfort each of you as He can during the coming days ahead. He will be truly missed. LOVE MARY SPURLIN
So sorry to learn of Bud' s passing. He was a great man with a terrific family. I worked for him with Physical Fitness Apollo Exerciser. He was my mentor. Loved him
nevin is my grand paw bud and I miss him.