Ernest Henry Cappelmann III (Buddy), 67, formerly of Rutherfordton, N.C. died Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, N.C.

He was born Oct. 31, 1945 in the first wave of baby boomers nearing the end of WWII.

Buddy was born at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, N.C. to Ernest Henry Cappelmann Jr. and Dorothy Evans Cappelmann. He attended Camden High School, and graduated from Oak Ridge Military School in North Carolina. He also attended Wofford College and served his country in the United States Air Force.

At a young age he became very involved in swimming and diving and throughout his life enjoyed all water sports. He coached swimming at the Greenville YMCA. Buddy spent many enjoyable hours on his boat and water skiing on Lake Hartwell and Saluda Lake. He loved being outdoors and was always happiest when he was near the water.

He was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by daughters, Anne Joyce of Raleigh, N.C. and Sally Bonazzi of Charleston, S.C.; and grandchildren, Wooten, James, Ella and Ainsley. Also surviving are siblings, John Charles Cappelmann of Oriental, N.C., James Mark Cappelmann of Sumter, S.C. and Julie Cappelmann Crum of New Bern, N.C.; Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Joe Hart of Ferrum, Va.; nine nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Charlotte and a memorial service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church of New Bern, N.C. His cousin the Reverend Robert C. Evans will be presiding.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-North Carolina at naminc.org