Buddy James Tinney (BJ), age 87, passed away on Monday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Hiawassee, Ga. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Inda Sullivan Tinney; his daughters, Tamara Copeland (Scott) and Kayla Robbins (Rory); his grandchildren: Megan Copeland Vineyard (James), Kendall Copeland Leming (Chris), Jared Copeland (Tori), Alexis Robbins Carswell (Alex), Sydney Robbins and Kyle Robbins; and six great-grandchildren.
BJ was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, on Aug. 11, 1937. He graduated from Nitro High School in 1955. Upon graduation, BJ entered the United States Air Force where he served four years as a military policeman. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force, he spent two years as a city police officer in Homestead, Fla. In 1961, BJ began his career with the Florida Highway Patrol. During his career with FHP, he was hand selected to Dignitary Protection for Governor Claude Kirk and his family as well as Congressman Paul Rogers. He had the pleasure of meeting Hubert Humphrey, the 38th Vice President of the United States, as well as Governor George Wallace from Alabama. His most prized detail was representing the State of Florida at the 1964 New York World’s Fair for two months. BJ was also selected to attend the F.B.I. National Academy and was a member of the 114th session. He retired as a Lieutenant after 37 years on the Florida Highway Patrol.