Buddy Lee Treadway, age 86, of West Richland, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026 at home, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on January 10, 1940 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Clyde Treadway and Lena Mae Halbrooks Treadway, Buddy grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a Master Electrician with Local Union 295 in Little Rock, attended the University of Arkansas and graduated from Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA with a Bachelor of Science in engineering.

Moving to Washington State with his family in 1978, he spent his career as an engineer at Hanford. After retiring, he built a life of service in the Tri-Cities community by serving as a Trustee for Benton Rural Electric and as their representative to the Northwest Public Power Association and the Washington Rural Electric Cooperative Association Board. Buddy also enjoyed bowling with several senior’s leagues. He loved his dogs, from an unforgettable Rottweiler named Greta to Charley, the French Bull Dog. He and Virginia spent many miles traveling throughout the Northwest and Canada in their Recreational Vehicle.

Buddy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia Parkhill Treadway; his children, Phillip (Janie) and David (Ying Ying Lan); his grandchildren, Justine (Nick) VerMulm and Mitch Treadway, and great-grandchildren Wyatt, Weston, Stetson and Justin. Those who knew Buddy will remember his gentle humor, generous spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to family. He had a gift for making people feel at ease and finding joy in simple things.

A family gathering to celebrate Buddy’s life will be held on Friday, May 1st at 1p at Einan’s at Sunset in Richland, WA.

“His legacy of love, laughter, and gentle kindness will live on in all who were blessed to know him.”