Raymond (Bud) Edwin Love, Jr.

Raymond Edwin Love, Jr., surrounded by family and close friends, died peacefully on Thursday April 27, 2017 at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Mississippi. Raymond, fondly known as Bud by his family and friends, was born in Starkville on December 14, 1972.

Bud graduated from Starkville Academy in 1991. While there, he enjoyed playing football and baseball. He attended Wood Junior College and later attended Mississippi University for Women where he graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He began his nursing career at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus and later moved to OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville where he worked the OR and ER. He was wellrespected by his peers and was known for his wit and charm. Bud was a family man, and he enjoyed fishing and spending time on his multi-generational family farm. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Starkville.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 28, 2017, from 4:008:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 29 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 307 University Drive, in Starkville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, with the Reverend Dr. Martin Lifer officiating.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Burkett Love; his son, Raymond Edwin Love III (Trace); daughter, Lucy Grace Love; mother, Sylvia West Love, all of Starkville; his sister, Lynne Pace Mize (Thomas) of Tupelo; father and motherin-law, Jack and Carrol Burkett of Carthage, Mississippi; his brother-in law, Rick Burkett of Augusta, Georgia; his nephews, Owen Mize, Will Mize (Emily) of Tupelo, Trey Burkett, Rob Burkett, and niece, Lexie Burkett of Redwood, New York. Bud is also survived by numerous very special aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Bud was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Edwin Love, Sr.; his brother Lewis Nathaniel Love (Tinker); paternal grandparents, Sam and Lucy Love, all of Starkville; and maternal grandparents, Lewis and Catherine Forsyth of Humboldt, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Starkville Academy, 505 Academy Road, Starkville, Mississippi 39759 for the sole purpose of the education for Bud's young children, Raymond Edwin Love III (Trace) and Lucy Grace Love.

Welch Funeral Home in Starkville is in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.welchfuneralhomes.com.