Roy Mayfield Bayne Jr.

Roy Mayfield “Buddy” Bayne, of Bono, Arkansas, passed away on August 26, 2026.

Buddy was born July 27, 1946, to Roy M. Bayne and Lucille Cox and grew up in Greenwood, South Carolina. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

While stationed in Guam in 1969, Buddy met Dena who would become his best friend. Life would take them down different roads before eventually bringing them back together, and on April 10, 2003, Buddy married his best friend and the love of his life. He and Dena made their home for many years in Easley, South Carolina, before moving to Bono, Arkansas.

Buddy shared an especially close bond with his son, Joshua “Josh” P. Bayne, who was truly the apple of his dad’s eye. Buddy and Josh could spend hours on the phone together talking about life, discussing the problems of today’s world and, in their own way, trying to solve a few of them. They shared many interests, including a special enthusiasm for guns, which gave them plenty to talk about. But their conversations were about much more than a shared hobby. They were a father and son who genuinely enjoyed one another’s company, respected one another’s thoughts, and shared a bond that was uniquely theirs. Buddy was immensely proud of Josh and treasured their relationship.

Buddy spent his career in the electrical industry and retired as a Senior Electrical Estimator with BE&K. He took pride in his work and in the career he built over the years.

Outside of work, Buddy had plenty of interests to keep him busy. He was a gun enthusiast, enjoyed flying drones, and especially loved to fish. Some of his greatest times were spent fishing in the Outer Banks, a place that held many wonderful memories for him.

Family brought Buddy great joy. Although distance meant he did not always live close to his grandchildren, he loved the time he was able to spend with them. He especially enjoyed family vacations, when everyone could be together and memories could be made without the miles between them.

Moving to Arkansas gave Buddy something particularly special during the last year of his life—the opportunity to live close to some of his great-grandchildren. He loved having them nearby and looked forward to the family’s weekly dinners. Those evenings of sharing a meal, visiting, laughing, and simply being together became a treasured part of his final year.

And wherever Buddy was, there was a good chance Gabby wasn’t far away.

Gabby was Buddy and Dena’s beloved rescue dog, adopted through ARC Angels 4 Animals in Jonesboro. She was far more than a pet to them—She became Buddy’s constant companion and could almost always be found right beside him. She brought him tremendous comfort, companionship, and joy. Anyone who spent time around Buddy knew how deeply he loved that little dog, and Gabby’s devotion to him was just as unmistakable.

Buddy is survived by his beloved wife , Dena Bayne; his cherished son, Joshua “Josh” P. Bayne of Greenville, South Carolina; his stepchildren, KayLynne Doss and husband Larry, and Dru Spurlock and girlfriend Amanda Kendrick, all of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Brian Mason of Wilton Manors, Florida; nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and Reece Hughes whom Buddy considered a granddaughter.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Annett Bayne of Greenwood, South Carolina; special nephews, David Masters, Jr. of Nags Head, North Carolina, and Mark Masters of Clifton Virginia; and his faithful companion, Gabby.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy M. Bayne, Sr. and Lucille Cox; his sister, Becky Masters and her husband, David; and his brother, George Bayne.

Buddy’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to St. Bernards Medical Center and St. Bernards Hospice for the compassion and care shown to Buddy and his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to ARC Angels 4 Animals in Jonesboro, Arkansas, the rescue organization through which Buddy and Dena adopted their beloved Gabby. Memorials may be made directly to ARC Angels 4 Animals P.O. Box 19055, Jonesboro, AR 72403