Dr. Budd Hebert, 84, passed away peacefully December 25, 2025, in Sparta, Tennessee. Born Aug. 19, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Budd lived a life marked by curiosity, service, faith and a deep love for family.
A lifelong educator, Budd found his greatest professional joy in the classroom. From 1993 to 2014, he served as professor of business and director of the international business program at Harding University, where he was known for challenging his students, encouraging big ideas, and generously sharing wisdom shaped by real-world experience. Over the years, he also taught at the University of Cincinnati, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Phoenix, Webster University, and the University of Liverpool/Laureate.
Teaching was never just a job for him — it was a calling.
Budd built a successful career in the oil-and-gas exploration industry, serving as a landman for Yates Petroleum Company, vice president of Security National Bank, and president of Challenger Energy Inc. and Chilkat Inc. Those experiences gave him a broad perspective on business, leadership and ethics that he carried with him into the classroom.
Budd was also deeply committed to public service.
From 1980 to 1988, he represented New Mexico as a state senator, where he served as caucus chairman and worked on numerous Senate committees. He took great pride in this chapter of his life and in serving the people of his state with integrity and thoughtfulness.
Outside of work, Budd was a storyteller, a teacher at heart and a man of faith. He loved Alaska — his favorite place on Earth — where his family moved in 1948 and settled in Haines, a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life.
He enjoyed reading, woodworking and teaching Biblical archaeology; and he was always happiest when learning something new or sharing what he knew. He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ, most recently attending Northeast Church of Christ in Cookeville after moving to Tennessee in 2022.
Above all else, Budd cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Doris Ann Brackeen Hebert, and their children Annelise (Lance) Lovell, Shirley (Phil) Senn, and Julie Prendergast and son-in-law Jerry Prendergast. He was a proud grandfather to Brackeen Prendergast, Dustin Lovell, and Madison Lovell, and a delighted great-grandfather to Ashton, Rose and Lily Lovell, and Ozzie Ward. He is also survived by his brothers Gary (Shirley) Hebert and Denny (Carol) Hebert.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Levi Hansel Hebert and Emma Gertrude Hebert.
Budd will be remembered for his sharp mind, generous spirit, steady faith and the quiet way he influenced so many lives. His legacy lives on through his family, his students and all those who were fortunate enough to learn from him.
A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Cedar Hills Senior Living, 1250 Cedar Hills Drive, Cookeville, Tennessee. Additional services are being planned in the spring in Searcy, Arkansas, at Harding University, with details to be shared on the family’s social media pages.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home (931-526-6111). Memories and condolences may be shared at www.hhhfunerals.com.