Chapel Hill, NC, May 13, 2021 – There is a moment in our lives where we are called to share sad news. Today, is one of those moments.
We are incredibly sad to share with you the loss of Major Everett “Bud” Hampton, United States Marine Corps (Retired), a native of Kannapolis, North Carolina, and a resident of Chapel Hill for over sixty years. Bud was 97 years of age and passed away peacefully this morning, May 13, 2021, at 7:30 a.m. at the Durham VA’s Hospice Center.
Bud Hampton has been pivotal in the development and funding of the Orange County Veterans Memorial and was one of the formation members of the Veterans Committee for a Chapel Hill Veterans Memorial, the original committee of veterans that sought a Veterans Memorial in Orange County.
Major Hampton joined the Marine Corps at the beginning of World War II and served in the Pacific Theater landing with fellow Marines island hopping one island at a time, culminating with Iwo Jima and a battlefield commission. Completing his wartime service, he returned to North Carolina and enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated as the Korean War was starting. As an officer, he was recalled to active duty and sent to Korea where he a commanded Marine force..
Bud seldom spoke of the conflicts he survived, but he spoke often of his pride in the Marine Corps of his Battalion in Europe. His battalion was selected to provide the landing forces for Darryl F. Zanuck’s 1962 film epic, The Longest Day. In recognition of Bud’s support, Darryl Zanuck gifted his Director’s Chair to Major Hampton. The chair is proudly displayed at Chapel Hill Post 6’s museum. When Bud retired from active service, he returned to Carolina and a held a position with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he retired.
A lot of details are not available yet regarding funeral services and interment. We do know, however, that interment will be at the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery where his wife and family are buried. Local veterans will honor Bud on Saturday, May 29, 2021, as the American Legion gathers at the Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery for Veterans flag placement. The short ceremony is at 8 a.m. at the conclusion of our 6:30 a.m. flag distribution to marked veterans’ graves.
Bud Hampton was a 26-year member of American Legion Chapel Hill Post No. 6, a member of the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Chapel Hill Post 9100, a member of the Orange County Veterans Memorial Committee, as well as a supporter of area and state veterans’ programs.
Chapel Hill, NC – Lee Heavlin
Bud was a very special friend. Words cannot express the Dept of sadness I feel. He has gained so much respect from everyone who knew him. He was gentle, humble, encouraging, loving, kind and so much more. Always praising those he saw working to help veterans. Even at his blessed age, he pressed his way to be a part of every meeting and every event involving veterans. He was a true soldier. I will miss him dearly. I love him with all my heart. As Maya Angelo quoted in her poem; people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I will NEVER EVER forget how special Bud made me feel. I thank him for every moment that I spent with him and will cherish those precious memories. He will be missed deeply. Rest peacefully Bud!