Buz Sawyer, a special person to his large family and to all who knew him, died on July 23, 2022.

Buz was the son of William Caleb Sawyer and Julia (Judy ) Ranagan Sawyer. He was preceded in death by his Dad. He is survived by his Mother Judy, sister, Susan Sawyer Fletcher, his niece Darcy Katherine Fletcher and nephews William Basil Fletcher and Luke Byron Fletcher. After the death of his Dad in 2006, Buz made his home with his Mom, Judy ,his sister Susan and his niece and nephews. Buz was a special person with special needs, but he gave so much more to those around him than he ever asked for. Those closest to him were fortunate to have him, and he made everyone around him a better person.

Buz grew up surrounded by 3 loving grandparents, James Basil Sawyer "Bikel", Estelle Haley Sawyer "Tell" and Alma Cunningham Rudiger "Grandmom", the support provided by these grandparents for both Buz and his Mom and Dad was indeed special.; special love for a special boy! For example Bikel and Tell started a family tradition of taking  Buz and his family to dinner every Friday night, first at the Rendezvous on Kecoughtan Road in Hampton, then the Oasis and finally at Annas in Buckroe. This tradition continued with successive generations of family until Buz became ill.

Buz also was blessed with the love of 30 Aunts and Uncles and 27 first cousins, he had a special place in the heart of each of them. Those Aunts and Uncles still surviving include Jan Peters, Jim and Judy Sawyer Shoemaker, Don and Mary Beth Sawyer Humes, Jimmy Wren, Tom and Francie Sawyer, Bobby Sawyer, Diane Ranagan Lessick, John and Sharon Ranagan, Michael Baird, and Edward and Cathy Ranagan Johns. This large and loving family made sure Buz was included in all family events. One of the highlights of the year was the 4th of July picnic hosted by Buz's Mom and Dad at their home on Chesapeake Ave. In fact, this event was so special, that each year family members travelled from up and down the east coast to attend.

Buz graduated from Warwick High School and was employed by Versability Resources , formally known as ARC for 27 years. As a young man he regularly participated in the Newport News/ Hampton Special Olympics, he was also a member of Boy Scouts of America Explorer Post 140.

The family will receive visitors at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home from 5:00 to 6:30 PM on Monday August 1, 2022.   A Mass celebrating Buz's life will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday August 2,  at St. Rose of Lima Church, 2114 Bay Avenue, Hampton.