The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hastings Schley, Jr., a/k/a Buddy

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hastings Schley, Jr., a/k/a Buddy
The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hastings Schley, Jr., a/k/a Buddy

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hastings Schley, Jr., a/k/a Buddy, 81, of Amarillo, TX passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

Private services will be held for the family.

Dr. Schley was born on April 13, 1939, in Dallas, Texas to Joseph Hastings Schley and Jane Bryan Schley. He held degrees from Southern Methodist University, SMU School of Law, and Virginia Theological Seminary with additional studies in Sewanee Tennessee, England, and Israel. He married Carolyn Gene Higginbotham on May 15, 1964.  He practiced law in Dallas, the United State Air Force as an officer with the Judge Advocate General during the Vietnam War, and in Amarillo where he served as a city judge. Before retirement, he served several Episcopal churches in Virginia, Florida, and Texas as well the Episcopal church at the Diocesan, Regional, and National levels.  He was past president and director of various civic and charitable organizations.  Most recently, he served as priest to St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Amarillo and as a certified court appointed mediator with the Dispute Resolution Center in Amarillo.

He was preceded in death by his wife on June 10, 2016; and three grandchildren, Jordan, Christopher, and Christy.

Survivors include two sons, Bryan Taylor Schley and wife Teresa of Amarillo, and Scott Hastings Schley and wife Shannon of Arlington; four grandchildren, Taylor, Matthew and wife Angela, Joseph, and Tanna; a sister, Sally Hill and husband Richard B. Hill Jr. of Dallas; and his special friend, Almalinda Barrera Lawrence of Canyon.

18 Replies to “The Rev. Dr. Joseph Hastings Schley, Jr., a/k/a Buddy”

  1. Our prayer Warrior he will be truly missed you always pray for us and we always pray for you I always love waiting on you in the dining room because you always had encouraging words I love your spirit may you rest in God’s arms and be at peace now. you are my buddy and we are going to miss you the Hood family

  2. “Buddy” was by our side as our young son Chris lay very ill in the hospital in Midland, TX in 1982! He was a warrior for Chris as well as Jan and I. We will always cherish our time with him as members of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church.
    Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

  3. Buddy was my first boss after Seminary, and gave me a foundation for parish ministry which endures 36+ years later. Almost weekly, I think, “what would Buddy do?” in some situation. Over the past years I made it my practice to call him every 3-4 weeks. You made our first church in Midland a true joy and a perfect place to begin married life and ministry. Thank you for being the best mentor I never knew I needed! As you always said at the end of each phone call, “Buddy, remember, Jesus and I love you very much!”

  4. I didn’t know Buddy well but I used to wait on him and his wife at the restaurant I worked at years ago. He was always so kind and generous. He helped me through a really tough time in my life financially. I will never forget. I’ve been so fortunate to have had him pass through my life. He was a wonderful man. Peace be with him.

  5. Buddy was one of the greatest people I have ever met. He was always smiling and loved to talk. It was such a joy getting to know him. He will remain in my heart forever ♥

    1. He was there for me at a very difficult time in my ministry. Words could not really tell the whole story. Just found out about his passing today after a Christmas card was returned to us.

      May the Lord grant him Eternal Blessings in the Light of His Glorious Face.

  6. Buddy was a true friend to everyone and touched everyone he met in such a great way. He will be missed so very much by all especially me. I know you’ll shine down on us from heaven as you did on earth. Love you Buddy

  7. Buddy was always happy-go-lucky with a smile and a greeting for everyone. The residents and staff at Park Place Towers already miss him greatly! Prayers for the family.

  8. Sweet Buddy you were so special to me and helped me through a difficult crisis in my life. My daughter, Susan, was also very fond of you and always mentioned your wonderful laugh. I am happy that you are in a place without pain.

  9. Buddy “Mr. S”was a great man, always positive, encouraging and told me to never give up on my dreams. I had much love and respect for him. He will be truly missed.

  10. My precious friend, mentor, and brother in Christ. You were such a positive, wise, and extraordinarily Christ-like man. You taught me much and I will treasure having had the blessing of knowing you in this world as I look forward to my own “graduation day” and knowing for myself the wonders you are now experiencing! You always said, “Remember, God and I love you and Jeff.” Jeff and I love you, too, Buddy.

  11. This hurts my heart. I’d planned to call Buddy and tell him of my father’s passing on Friday. I used to sit with him and his gentlemen friends in the dining room while I waited on the food for me and my father. I found him to always be kind, caring, godly and with a quick and merry wit. I’m so terribly sorry for this loss. I will be praying for his family and friends.

  12. Father Buddy was a solid friend. He was the pastor or our little Anglican church and our wedding in 2006. He made many positive influences in our lives. We will miss him but will always remember him.

  13. Father Buddy was a solid friend. He was the pastor at our wedding in 2006. What a fine, smart, humorous, wise man he was. He made our life better. We will miss him, but we will always remember him.

  14. I talked to him 2 days before he ask for something to help his stomache he ask for a burger and a sprite so came and made it for him and took it back to him I am gonna miss him so much I loved talking to him he was so friendly I loved him

  15. My dear Buddy you will be truly missed. I am so glad i was able to express to you that you were loved by all. RIP my sweet Buddy.

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