Gary Wayne "Buddy" Sauls, age 83, of Heidelberg, Mississippi, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a life richly devoted to his family, his faith, and the community he loved so deeply.

Gary Wayne "Buddy" Sauls was born on March 15, 1943, in Kilgore, Texas, to V. A. and Elma Sauls. He graduated from Heidelberg High School in 1961, attended Jones College, and later earned a degree from Belhaven College, where he played basketball and baseball.

In 1966, he married the love of his life Barbara Gatlin. Following college, he taught and coached at Beulah Hubbard High School before returning to Heidelberg to teach and serve as assistant coach to Dr. Thomas L. Davis.

In 1970, the founders of Heidelberg Academy asked Mr. Sauls to establish the school's athletic program, a responsibility he accepted with the support of many devoted parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends.

After retiring from coaching, he joined the family business, V. A. Sauls, Inc., as president. The company had been founded by his parents in 1948.

In 2007, Mr. Sauls was inducted into the Mississippi Private School Hall of Fame. Known to many simply as "Coach," he compiled an extraordinary record during his 18 years as head coach at Heidelberg Academy, including 172 wins, 27 losses, two state championships, four South State championships, 16 district championships, 11 Coach of the Year honors, and a 36-game winning streak. He consistently credited his players for the success he achieved as a coach.

Mr. Sauls treasured his upbringing in Heidelberg and often reflected on stories from the oilfield and the challenges faced by young start-up companies. During his years leading the family business, he remained committed to safety and quality.

After 78 years of operation, he passed the business on to his family, leaving them with the instruction to love and respect those who work for and alongside them.

As an only child, Mr. Sauls held a deep love for his family and cherished the many students he taught and coached. He treated others with kindness and lived by the message of Matthew 7:12 (NIV): "So, in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

He was often encouraged to write a book about his experiences growing up in the small town of Heidelberg, and he would frequently respond, "We will work on that soon." Its absence is a genuine loss for the generations who share deep ties with their beloved town.

Throughout his battle with Parkinson's disease, Mr. Sauls continually placed the needs of friends facing illness or sorrow above his own. Even as the disease steadily weakened his health, he remained deeply concerned for others who were suffering.

Mr. Sauls shared many hunting, golfing, and fishing trips with friends, experiences that brought him great joy. He passed this love on too many, especially his grandson, Drew. They were often found baiting hooks and discussing the best place to find the long-awaited buck every young hunter hopes to take.

Mr. Sauls was a one-of-a-kind man who belonged to a remarkable generation that sacrificed greatly to protect honor, expand educational opportunity, reduce poverty, and model a strong work ethic for those who followed.

Mr. Sauls was preceded in death by his parents, V. A. and Elma Bass Sauls. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Gatlin Sauls; his daughter, Tracy Mason and her husband, Mike; his son, Adam Sauls and his wife, Casey; and his grandson, Drew Mason.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 24, starting with visitation from 2:00 - 4:00 PM and service at 4:00 PM at Laurel First Methodist Church, 120 North Fifth Avenue, Laurel, Mississippi. A private family burial will follow at Lake Park Cemetery, 2806 Emmy Drive, Laurel, Mississippi. Officiating will be the Rev. Dr. Daniel Hathorne and The V. Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Walker Reich.

Pallbearers will be Nick Bass, Jerrell Gatlin, Brian Martin, Mike Martin, Gary Wayne Myrick, Jeff Myrick, and Stirling Tighe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Anderson, Barry Beach, Ben (Brother) Belding, John Blackburn, Paul Felgner, Roger Graham, Tom Lewis, Chris Lott, Mack Lowery, Scotty McClellan, Mark McKee, Derwood Munn, Russell Sauls, Dr. Robert Allen Smith, Billy Thornburg, Dr. Juan Uribe, Rodney Winn, Cornell White, and Dr. Walid Younis.

The family extends special appreciation to Buddy's faithful caregivers at Loving Care Senior Services-Angie Parker, Cindy Belding, and Maria Rayner-for their devoted service and the care they have shown to the entire family.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mr. Sauls’s name to The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Post Office Box 1108, Laurel, Mississippi 39441-1108, Missing Peace Ministry, Post Office Box 1895, Laurel, Mississippi 39441 or The Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE First Street, STE 800, Miami, Florida 33131.