Preacher Joel "Bud" Malone, 68, of Bluff City, passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife and daughter on March 15, 2024. He was born and raised in Bluff City a son of the late George & Rosie Elliott Malone. Also special second parents of the late Paul & Pearl Mottern. He was an evangelist for 10 years, a pastor for 25 years and the current Associate Pastor of River of Life Church. He retired from Good Pasture Motor Company in 2015. He was a cowboy to his inner core. He loved horses, training horses and also he was a farrier for over 15 years. In addition to his parents and second parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law: Martin Graybeal, mother-in-law: Ethel Graybeal, brothers-in-law: Sonny Willis and Kenny Willis

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 45 years: Regina Graybeal Malone, his one and only daughter: Jessi "Kack" Miller and grandson: Ryker "Boog" Miller, whom he loved more than anything and was his best friend. Also special step- Grand daughters: Chloe and Karlee Miller. He also leaves behind his siblings: Jackie Black, Donna Cornett, Joyce Ward, Randy Malone and Lisa Phillips. Also his sisters-in-laws: Lori Willis, Rita (Steve) Waycaster, Sherri (Michael) Parker and brother-in-law: Jeff (Betty) Graybeal. He has several nieces and nephews who also survive. Also his special children not by blood but by love: Jason (Helena) Fortner, and Brandy Holder. Also his horse of 24 years "Chance".

Funeral Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2024 in Memorial Funeral Chapel. His service will be about the legacy he left behind. Pastors Donnie Humphrey and Norman Markland, along with Jason Fortner, David Clayman and Aaron Kelley speaking in his honor. Music will be provided by Daniel Salyer, Amanda Kelley, and Emily Kelley. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday prior to the service.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in the Sunrise Cemetery, Bluff City. His Pallbearers will be: Jeff Graybeal, Marty Willis, Joseph Waycaster, Justin Waycaster, Tyler Graybeal, Jacob Graybeal with great nephews: Brayden Willis, Levi Waycaster and Hutch Waycaster following behind. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Rick Colbaugh, Tom Fortner, Danny Fair, Wendell Shipley, Tim Carr, his beloved Sunday School Class members and all members of River of Life Church. The family would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support during this difficult and unexpected time. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our web-site www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Malone family