I first met Budge when I was a youngster growing up in PIne Bluff, Arkansas when I joined the Pine Bluff Commodore Computer Club. I will admit that at the time - he intimidated me. I was a teen, and he was this "monster with two hooks for hands"... Little did I know or even have the ability to grasp at the time - Budge was no monster.
I became reaquainted with Budge through FreeRepublic, long after I had moved away, gone to college, and began teaching. Budge was likely one of the most reliable and active members of the Arkansas "chapter". We could count on him to be at meeting, and to be very vocal in our "freeps" - particularly of old Bill Clintoon. Budge also helped fuel my taste for sushi and sashimi (though me and food don't need a lot of encouragement to get together!).
I hadn't heard much from him in quite some time, and I contacted another of our old friends and fellow freeper "Travelgirl". She forwarded me his newest email address, and we had just begun to correspond again in the last couple of weeks. In fact, the last forwarded email he sent was only about 3 days ago... so getting the message that he had just passed (February 1) blew my mind.
As far as I know, Budge remained a registered Democrat - not because he had any sympathy for their platform, but as a disruptor and trouble-maker for them in primary elections.
I know that JimRob knows Budge quite well, as they have met several times, including trips to DC.
I encourage those who remember Budge to post on this thread your memories and hopefully some pictures (especially those AR Freeper meetings and freeps).
Prayers lifted.
Rest well, FRiend Budge. How odd it feels to be writing those words.
Happy Trails, Budge...I never knew ya...