Obituary of Wallace Opie, Jr.

Wallace “Buddy” Opie, Jr. Wallace “Buddy” Opie, Jr. of Lake Havasu City passed away May 31, 2021 while in home health care of Beacon of Hope Hospice as a result of many years of COPD. Buddy was born in Phoenix to Wallace Opie, Sr. and Jean Harter Opie in 1943. He had a pretty sister, Helen Opie. Growing up on a large ranch of 54 sections that, as Buddy often said, “ran down the back side of Mt. Lemmon” (near Tucson), Buddy was a true Arizona cowboy. He won many belt buckles, mostly for team roping in his rodeo years. Buddy was a member of Operating Engineers Union #428 for 36 years as a heavy equipment operator working mostly in Arizona. He worked in Havasu doing the “dirt work” for Thunderbolt School preparing the site for building. He earned the respect of many he worked with and for. Buddy was a generous hearted man. He was always ready to help anyone who needed construction advice or how to operate equipment. He also became the operator of the asphalt plant for Campbell’s Construction here in Havasu. It was during this time that I met Buddy when we were both 52. Falling in love with this big cowboy for me, a former New Yorker, was one of the best things that ever happened to me. We had 26 years of happiness together. He is survived by me, his wife, Alice Doty Opie, of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, son, Fletcher Opie (Char) of Phoenix, daughter, Della Pearcy (Brett Morris) of Circle City, Arizona and his youngest daughter, Marie Miller (Bryan) of Gilbert, Arizona, also stepsons, Wyatt, Dallas and Cody Penrod, nephew Dusty Lewis and their grandmother, Modine Raymond. He is also survived by grandchildren, Justin, Gracie, Avery, Kensley, Barbie, Michael, great-grandchildren and our loving toy poodle, Tinker Belle. She brings so much joy to our lives. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents Wallace, Sr. and Jean Opie, his pretty sister, Helen and step-daughter, Debbie Davis Pugh. Cremation was entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home in Lake Havasu City. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lake Havasu Church of the Nazarene, 2700 Rainbow Avenue N on June 26, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Our Pastor Katy Scott will give praises to God for Buddy’s life and pray for all of us. Lunch will follow at noon. If you are able to attend, any stories or fond memories you have of Buddy to tell us all would add so much joy to his celebration. In Lieu of flowers, if you wish, please help someone in need to brighten their day. It could be a kind work or smile or even a cup of coffee. That would truly please Buddy. Thank you.