Mr. Billy Don Bud Vanderbilt, 79 of Hope passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in Hope. He was born in Cove, Arkansas on November 29, 1931 to Raymond Earl Clark and Ruth Vanderbilt Clark. At the death of his mother in July 1932, he and his brother, Owen were adopted by their maternal grandparents, Solomon and Lizzie Vanderbilt of Cove. Bud attended Cove Elementary School and Mena High School during the Korean Conflict, he joined the US Navy and was in boot camp in Norfolk, Virginia. He served 18 months aboard the U.S.S. Monterey Air Craft Carrier as part of the Atlantic Fleet. After leaving the US Navy, he did pipeline construction in several states. He attended trade school in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and later started his own small engine repair business in Antoine, Arkansas, also later owning and operating his own backhoe business in the Antoine and Delight area and later in Hope, Arkansas. Bud was often the first to show up with his chain saw and backhoe when he saw a neighbor or a friend in need, whatever the disaster, whether illness or storm cleanup. Children came often to get a toy or a bicycle fixed or for a ride on his tractor. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Bill Bart (1958-1974) and Lester Clayton (1961-2001), seven brothers, Calvin, Fred, Joe, Harold Buster , George, Owen and Jim Vanderbilt and one sister, Alma Vanderbilt Price (Bart). He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Davis Vanderbilt, originally from Magnolia, Arkansas, where they married on June 30, 1957. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2007. The Vanderbilt Family would like to thank their wonderful friends, neighbors and church members who were so helpful to Dorothy and Bud. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home Chapel in Hope, Arkansas. Bro. Jerry Crane will officiate the service. Arrangements are by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope.