Edwin C. “Buddy” Pile, 93, died peacefully Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. He was born Aug. 13, 1933, in Woodlawn.
As a boy, he worked for his father on farms until after high school. After accepting his call to ministry, he prepared himself by attending Asbury College where he received a Bachelor of Psychology Degree. He continued his preparation for ministry by receiving a Master of Divinity Degree from Temple University. He faithfully served as a United Methodist pastor in churches throughout Kentucky, New Jersey, and Indiana. Wherever God called him, he sought to serve his congregations with compassion, wisdom, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For him, ministry was never limited to the pulpit. It was found in a classroom, hospital room, around a family table, in a church sanctuary, and in conversations with those who needed guidance or encouragement. He understood that serving Christ meant serving people, and he spent his life doing just that. He was highly respected as an educator, teaching in local school systems as well as at Elizabethtown Community College and St. Catherine College. To the many students he taught, he was not simply an instructor, he was a mentor, encourager, and example.
Behind each of these roles was the same man – a man who believed in God, believed in people, and believed that his life was meant to be used in service.
He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faith, ministry, education, and love for his family and the many people whose lives he touched. Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, can be found in his family. His presence, wisdom, faith, humor, and love helped shape their lives. The lessons he taught from the pulpit and classroom were also lessons he lived before his family. His greatest sermon may well have been the life he lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Virgie Pile; and five brothers, William Pile, Eugene Pile, Davis Pile, Marion Pile and Albert Pile.
He is survived by one daughter, Sharon (Greg) Geary; two sons, Perry (Sherry) Pile and Jerry (Cindy) Pile; six grandchildren, Brandon Pile (Christina), Shelby Hall (Chartrael), Rachel Wietecha (Tommy), Samantha Oliver (Drue), Justin Pile (Stephanie), and Andrew Pile; and 13 great-grandchildren, Knox Wietecha, Taylor Weitecha, Trinity Wietecha, Sawyer Oliver, Silas Oliver, Robert Oliver, Lily Pile, Derek Pile, Alexander Miller, Mya Hall, Skyler Hall, Journee Hall, and Noah Hall.
The funeral is 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Woodlawn Methodist Church. Burial is in Poplar Flat Cemetery with the Rev. Todd Chancey will officiating.
Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at Barlow Funeral Home and 9-11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at the church.
Memorial contributions may go to Woodlawn Methodist Church.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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