Astor F. "Bud" Soesbee Jr.
April 14, 1938 ~ May 20, 2020
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Astor F. “Bud” Soesbee, 82, died May 20, 2020.
He was the son of the late Astor F. “Shorty” Soesbee and Addie Warren Soesbee. He is survived by his wife, Linda Rudisill Soesbee; sons, Michael (Linda) and Jerry (Karen); and sister, Vinita Heise (Jim).
He served four years in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Homestead, FL, from 1955 to 1959. Returning to Asheville, he started a career as a counter parts man. He worked for Hays & Hopson and Ray’s Auto Supply, co-owned C&C Auto Parts, worked as manager of City Foreign Auto, and worked as parts manager at Glover Motors, where he met his second wife, Linda. He also built Nascar engines with the Miller brothers, Fred and Dave.
In addition to holding down a full-time job, Bud had many hobbies: building and flying motor and rubber-band powerered model planes; building model trains with beautiful weathered paint jobs; outboard motor restoration; muskie fishing on the French Broad; operating a Ham Radio for years; and restoring and painting old cars, mostly Chrysler products.
After learning how to play the bass, guitar and mandolin, Bud taught himself how to play the banjo and excelled at it. He decided he was able to build them himself, as well, so he began a business that in the following 30 years would bring him worldwide renown. Through his work, he met many people, made many friends (some enemies), and became widely known, even on Google. Though Dixieland jazz was what he played, the banjos he built were used for all genres. His reputation was built on his artistry and workmanship.
Locally, he played in a band known as “Strings & Things, LTD.” alongside men of various backgrounds: a doctor on piano (Harold Ligon), an insurance salesman on rhythm banjo (Dick Burdett), a lawyer on clarinet (O.E. Starnes), a hi-fi store owner also on rhythm banjo (Bob Moore), and people from all walks of life sitting in on the washboard. They played their gigs for free and went from “The Top Hat Charity Ball” to award ceremonies giving out plaques.
Everyone who knew him had a Bud Soesbee story, so at a later date, we will all get together to tell a few stories and have a few laughs that will lighten our hearts.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Jerry, I’m sure you don’t remember me but, I was Aunt Pearls daughter. I lost all contact when Aunt Addie passed. She always kept us updated on her family. Always loved your Paw Paw playing the accordion, and organ. I enjoyed reading your post on your dad. You boys were born with the talent of music. Peace and comfort to you and the family.
Bud Soesbee was a legend and giant in the world of banjo making. His instruments are literally over the world. I am so thankful for the time he would spend talking to me about the most collectable and expensive vintage banjos he restored and reproduced. He brought prized and rare vintage banjos of the past to life in the present for those of us who are lucky enough to have a Bud Soesbee banjo. Thank you, Bud. An era and a legend have passed. Sincerely, Peter Mezoian
I am greatly saddened to learn of Bob’s death. I became acquainted with him years ago when he built a banjo for me. It was a work of art. He was a man of immense talent and one to be much admired. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family during this time of sadness and loss.
I apologize and deeply regret spelling Bud’s name incorrectly in my earlier Guestbook entry. Please pardon my error.
Many words of wisdom from Bud over the years. Bud knew so much about so many things. Jennifer and I send our love and prayers to Linda, Michael, Jerry and the families.
I’m very sorry for your family’s loss Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.