Frank J. "Bud" Graczyk, Jr.

Frank J. Graczyk, Jr. was born in North Tonawanda, New York to the late Frank, Sr., and Florence Graczyk. From the very earliest age he was given the nickname “Bud,” and he was known affectionately by this name to his family and friends. Bud grew up in North Tonawanda and attended high school there, graduating in 1950. Baseball and bowling were a couple of the pastimes he enjoyed with pals. He attended the University of Buffalo and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1955. Bud and Ruth were married in 1957 and they left together to Alexandria, VA for his two-year enlistment in the army at Fort Belvoir. After leaving the army they returned to their hometown where Bud began his engineering career at Western Electric. In time they settled into a new house and began to make their own family raising three children and making life-long friendships in that neighborhood. In 1976 Bud had a new job opportunity in South Carolina. Despite the many protestations of the family, he packed us up and moved to Irmo where he began his new work as a material handling engineer with AT&T Nassau Metals. South Carolina provided some things that western New York did not; a much warmer climate perfect for golf. Bud and his sons developed a passion for golf and enjoyed this shared interest and the time spent together. His love for golf continued in retirement and he had regular weekly tee times with golfing buddies well into his eighties. Bud was also a long-time member of Ashland United Methodist Church where he was active in the United Methodist Men’s Club and served the church as head usher for many years and also made himself available to help whenever help was needed. Bud’s favorite pastime was spending time with family and, oh how the family was growing with ten grandchildren and many great grandchildren to follow. He was never happier than family gatherings for cookouts around the pool and lake, summer vacations at Myrtle Beach and all holiday festivities. In addition to his parents, Bud was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth; his sister, Eleanor; and his mother- and father-in-law, Helen and Arnold Theel. Bud is survived by his children, Karen McClive (Duncan); Doug Graczyk (Sarena); and Bob Graczyk (Missy); his 10 grandchildren, Cameron McClive (Kayla); Courtney McClive (Jamie); Kristen Monts; Chelsea Wolfe; Dustin McClive (Ashley); Ryan Graczyk (Kate); Evan Graczyk; Brandon Graczyk; Preston Graczyk and Brooke Graczyk; and his 13 great grandchildren, Maria, Riley, Lindsay, Aubrey, E. Duncan, Nolan, Connor, Carter, Shawn, Everest, Dylan, Emily, and Chloe. Papa Bud will be dearly missed by all. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Ashland United Methodist Church. The Reverend Scott Efird will officiate. The family will greet friends following the service at a reception in Ashland Hall. The burial will be private. Memorials may be given to the charity of one’s choice or to Ashland UMC General Fund.