Dr. James M. "Buddy" Alday, 67
Dr. James M. "Buddy" Alday, age 67,passed away on March 27, 2004 after an extended illness.
Dr. Alday was born in Gainesville, Florida "in the shadow of the University of Florida Football Stadium." He attended the University of Florida and received an undergraduate degree from Emory University. He subsequently graduated Emory University School of Medicine, following which he completed a residency at Emory Hospital.
Dr. Alday served as a surgeon with the United States Air Force in England during the Vietnam Conflict. In 1971, Dr. Alday moved to Gainesville, Georgia and began the private practice of orthopedic medicine and surgery. With Dr. Bradwell McAlister, he founded the Northeast Georgia Orthopedic Clinic.
Dr. Alday was a tireless volunteer in any number of civic activities. He spent countless hours as a team physician for area sports teams, administering physicals and medical aid on the sidelines. Other community service included terms on the boards of the United Way of Hall County, Grace Episcopal Church, and the Gainesville Hall County Humane Society, on which he served for 17 years. Dr. Alday also served as Chief of Medical Staff, Northeast Georgia Medical Center from 1989-1990.
In more recent years, after experiencing cardiac problems, Dr. Alday became Director of the Rehabilitation Institute and Director of the Diabetic Foot Clinic at the Medical Center.
An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Alday spent his leisure time in dog training and field trails with his beloved Labrador retrievers as a member of the Old South Hunting Retriever Club.
Dr. Alday was predeceased by his mother, Rosa Hane Alday, son-in-law, Chris Hinds, and godson and nephew, Trez McCrea. He is survived by his wife, Caroline Easley Alday, His children John and Rebecca Fant Alday of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sloan Alday of Providence, Rhode Island, and two grandchildren, Sam Hinds and Alex Alday. He is also survived by his father, Malcolm Alday, and his sisters, Sara Lynn McCrea, and Mary Keitt Moore, all of Gainesville, Florida, as well as nieces and nephews and a host of friends, all of whom knew him affectionately as "Buddy."
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday March 31, 2004 at Grace Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow at the Church. Visitation will also be at Little-Davenport Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 30, 2004 from 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Hall County or to Grace Church Building Fund.