He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Gail who he married on July 17, 1965. Together they raised four daughters. Laura Kelley (Bob), Vero Beach; FL; Linda Podgorski (Dave). Metamora, MI; Launa DesPortes (Richard), Columbus, GA. and Licia Beemer (Andrew), Lake Orion, MI. His love lives on in his grandchildren: Justin Podgorski (Heather), Attica, MI; Nicholas Podgorski (Kathy). Brighton, MI; Jeremy Podgorski (Andrea), Lapeer, MI; Jacob Podgorski (Taylor), Columbiaville, MI; Emily Badcock, Smyrna, GA; William and Lucy DesPortes, Columbus, GA; and Isabella, Sophia and Samuel Beemer, Lake Orion, MI and his 7 great-grandchildren Addalyn, Hudson, Emersyn, Eliza, Graham, Skylar and Toby.
He believed that there is only one happiness in life, to love and to be loved. Family, airplanes, and automobiles were his greatest loves. He flew for Studebaker, South Bend, IN. before joining General Motors as a corporate pilot. He was based in Michigan for more than 30 years, rising to international Captain before retiring to Vero Beach. He worshipped at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church, MI and Christ by the Sea United Methodist, FL.
In retirement, he enjoyed membership in the Antique Automobile Club of America, delivering Meals on Wheels and his AM coffee guys. He will be missed by his family and his many friends, near and far. He was predeceased by his parents, Lucille and Albert Rodgers, his sisters, Darlene Stewart and Karen Rossi, his in-laws Florence and Sam Schmidt, brother-in-law Bernard Schmidt and his infant grandson Brandon Podgorski.
A family seaside memorial was held on June 27. Memorial contributions may be made in Bud's honor to a Veterans group or charity of your choice.
