of Searcy, AR
July 23, 1925 - February 14, 2018
Buel Max Gillham, 92, of Searcy, Arkansas, a lifelong resident of White County, passed away on February 14, 2018. He was born on July 23, 1925 to Herman and Ora Gillham in El Paso, Arkansas. The family later moved to Searcy and he attended Searcy High School. Buel Max served in the United Sates Navy in the South Pacific during World War II and was a Purple Heart recipient. He and his first wife, Fonzine Landers Gillham, owned and operated El Charro, the first Mexican restaurant in Searcy, from 1962 to 1981. Prior to opening the restaurant, they owned a grocery store in Bald Knob.
Buel Max was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sybil Bonner, and Fonzine who passed away in 1996. He is survived by Doris Anderson Gillham, who he married in 2003, and step-children Scott (Laurie) Anderson of Springdale, Arkansas, Laura (Mike) Markert of Franklin, Wisconsin, and Eric (Belinda) Anderson of Searcy. Buel Max also leaves behind six step-grandchildren and several cousins.
Buel Max was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Searcy where he served on multiple committees, was highly respected, and was well known for his many acts of love and kindness for other people. He leaves to his family and all who knew him the legacy of a loving and compassionate heart and an example of Christian stewardship.
Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church 304 N Main, Searcy.
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7 Condolence(s)
Sandra Hogans
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Maumelle are has a restraint just opened by same name
El Charro. It brought back memories. My Aunt Geneva Hogans worked for them for years. We used to go there to eat often. The food was the best. Blessings to the family.
anita wicker
Saturday, February 17, 2018
I don't see my message so will try again...we are so so sorry about buddy..did not know about his death until the morning of the funeral..so it was too late for us to eventhink about coming and our hearts are broken...I know he and mother and the whole charro gang are doing some laughing today...again our condolences...we loved him
Earl and Wanda Morris
Friday, February 16, 2018
We send our condolences to all that will miss Buel Max. He was a wonderful friend and family member.
Donald and Yvonne Munn
Friday, February 16, 2018
My mother, Geneva Munn Hogans, worked for Buddy and Fonzine for many, many years in their Mexican restaurant and loved every minute of it. She became life long friends with them and kept them and their love in her heart until her death a year ago. They were wonderful people to know and love.
Trish Miller
Thursday, February 15, 2018
I send my sincere condolences to each of you. Please know you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Keith Bradley
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Almost every Saturday evening mother and I would stop by El Charro and have supper. We always set in the back where the staff rested so mother could visit with Buddy and Fonzine. I was a child and I just assumed his name was Buddy. I still miss the Mexican food that he used to make. He loved to go out on the lake in his boat and fish. When mom asked him what he was going to do when he sold the restaurant, he said “FISH”.
Judy Stockrahm
Thursday, February 15, 2018
Buel Max was first cousin to my mom, Lucille Gillham Wood. My condolences to his immediate family for their loss. He was always a very giving and thoughtful man. My prayers go out for all that knew him.