Robert "Buddy" Maxey, Jr., is a native of Campbell County. He is a graduate of Rustburg High School, Central Virginia Community College, Averett University. After coming to work at the funeral home in late 2003, Buddy returned to college and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in funeral service from John Tyler Community College. He received his funeral director.s license in February 2008.

Before joining Tharp Funeral Home in 2003, Buddy had a thirty-year career in law enforcement. He was a deputy sheriff in Campbell County for ten years and served for twenty years as sheriff. Buddy has always had an interest in funeral service and says that he feels privileged to be able to enter it as a second career.

His wife, Martha, is a 5th grade teacher at Rustburg Elementary School, his daughter, Hannah, is a student at Longwood University, and his son, Adam, is a student at Virginia Tech. He and his family live in Rustburg and are members of Rustburg Presbyterian Church.