Submit a PhotoIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Edwin “Buz” Day Jr. who passed away peacefully at the age of 91 after a month’s long illness. “Buz” as he was known far and wide, was born on September 24, 1932 in Eskridge, Kansas to Edwin Belmont and Fanny Kay (Logan) Day. Buz was raised with his 3 brothers and sister in several small towns in Kansas. Upon graduating high school, he attended Emporia State University as a member of their basketball team. Buz then joined the Army just as the Vietnam war was beginning, where he served for 2 years before being honorably discharged in 1957. After his service in the Army, he joined his father to work at the family Chevrolet car dealership in Osawatomie, Kansas. The car dealership is where Buz would eventually meet his wife Jewell, after he sold her a car then asked her to dinner. The pair went on to get married in 1969 and had celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in September 2023.
When Buz’s dad sold the Chevy dealership and moved to Sun City, Arizona to retire, he convinced Buz and Jewell to move to Arizona as well. Buz and Jewell settled in Coolidge, Arizona whey they purchased the local NAPA Auto Parts store from Fred Slater in 1971. They named their new business Day Auto Supply which eventually grew to 4 locations in the communities of Coolidge, Florence, Queen Creek and Chandler and will celebrate its 53rd year in business in 2024.
Buz was happiest when surrounded by his family and working at the “store”. He could often be found down a parts aisle doing inventory and keeping up to date with everyone in the NAPA organization. Always the hard worker, Buz continued to come to work every day until the age of 90. In addition to being a member of the business community in Coolidge, he was an active volunteer where he served on the boards of the Coolidge Lions Club and Coolidge Chamber of Commerce. One of his favorite volunteering experiences was as a Coolidge Little League coach for many years and leading one of his all-star teams to the state tournament.
Buz will always be forever loved and remembered as a dedicated husband and father, successful businessman and friend to many. Buz is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jewell Jean (Duffey) Day of Gilbert, AZ, daughter Christine (Day) Milliken (husband, Rob, children Logan and Lindsey) of Gilbert, AZ. His son Chad Day (wife Stephanie, children Julia, Gabe, Avery and Ella) of Queen Creek, AZ. His brother Bill Day (Marsha) of Florence, AZ and brother Bob Day (Sadie) of Scranton, KS and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Buz is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Fanny Day, sister Dixie Sigler and brother Leo Day.
A memorial service will be held at the Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home, 2100 E Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ 85297 on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at 11am with a reception to follow.
Donations can be made in the name of Edwin “Buz” Day Jr to Coolidge High School Scholarships:
Coolidge Scholarship Committee
PO Box 8
Coolidge, AZ 85128
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Sending hugs and prayer my friends! You’re a special family and Buz was truly blessed to be surrounded by a family he loved and that cared for him. He will always be remembered in your hearts!