Jeffries, Lewis Ingles
Lewis Ingles “Bud” Jeffries, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) died on January 20, 2026, at Ingleside, his ancestral home in Radford, VA surrounded by his family. He was born on January 28,1942 in Roanoke, VA to Melville Lewis Jeffries and Mary Lewis Ingles Jeffries.
He is survived by Mary Ann Veirs Jeffries, his loving wife of 56 years, children Mary Jennifer and John Travis (Brit Ritchey), and countless cherished family members and friends.
After graduating from Radford City Schools, Bud went to V.P.I. (Virginia Tech), earning a degree in Animal Science, Class of 1964. He distinguished himself in the Corps of Cadets, where he was Regimental Executive Officer and was recognized as the distinguished Military Graduate of V.P.I., Class of 1964. He was a member of the German Club, holding the position of Leader his senior year. Bud’s father, Mel Jeffries, also a Virginia Tech Alumnus and German Club member, wrote the German Club Ritual in 1935. It is still used and revered to this day.
Bud Jeffries was commissioned in the United States Army, entering active duty on January 3, 1965. Throughout his military career he exemplified the finest spirit of a U.S. Soldier. He had multiple tours of duty including Airborne School, Ranger School (Later, Instructor Ranger School, Fort Benning, GA), and Pathfinder School. He served in Vietnam, 1967-1968; Field Artillery Battalion First Cavalry Division. He was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action during the Tet Offensive, and the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.
Only two days after returning from Vietnam in 1968, while attending the wedding of his cousin, Louise Zimmerman, he met the beautiful Mary Ann Veirs of Texas. They married in Dallas, in June 1969. Ann was his cherished partner as his career took him to: Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Schweinfurt, Germany; Lexington, VA (VMI); Norfolk, VA; Corlu, Turkey; Fort Hood, Texas; The Pentagon; Fort Carson, CO; and The U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA (While there he received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University). He then attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he was promoted to the rank of Colonel and took over as Director of Academic Operations at the same Command and General Staff College.
Colonel Jeffries retired on September 1, 1991, after almost 27 years of exemplary service. The Jeffries family returned home to Ingleside in Radford, VA. His was the seventh generation of the family founded by William and Mary Draper Ingles, and the sixth generation to live at Ingleside.
The Mary Draper Ingles story has been well documented in several books and in the outdoor dramas’, The Long Way Home and Walk to Freedom. Colonel Jeffries researched Mary’s journey extensively and was an expert on her story and the Ingles family history. Recognizing the public’s interest in Mary’s story, he opened his farm annually to the public on what became known as Cabin Days. The centerpiece of the event was a visit to a replica of Mary’s cabin, which he had meticulously researched and rebuilt, where Mary’s story would be told once again.
Upon returning home, Colonel Jeffries renovated his beloved Ingleside & ancestral farm, placing it on a historic & conservation easement so that it was forever protected. He served on the New River Land Trust Board of Directors further helping others to protect their land & historic properties. Colonel Jeffries took an active role in historic preservation in his community and the preservation of agricultural properties & historic farms for future generations.
He would put that degree from Virgina Tech in Animal Science to good use as he realized his dream of raising beef cattle. After extensive research and preparation on the family farm, he operated a pasture-based beef operation, a legacy continuing under the leadership of his son, John, today.
Colonel Jeffries also served the city he loved. He was Executive Director of the Radford Main Street Program for over four years and was a founding member and first chairman of the Radford Heritage Foundation. He served on the board of The Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets Alumni Association, The German Club Alumni Association, and was on the vestry of Grace Episcopal Church as Senior Warden and Trustee. Colonel Jeffries was also a member of the VFW (Post 776) in Radford, VA.
As a little boy, Bud Jeffries spent hours sitting by the Norfolk and Western rails watching the trains thundering by. He was to write two books on the N&W. The first, N&W: Giant of Steam, was published in 1980. In 2005, Jeffries rewrote, revised, updated, and republished the book. It is the encyclopedia of Norfolk & Western Railway’s steam locomotive design, engineering and tractive power.
Bud Jeffries was a former chairman of the N&W Historical Society, and in March 2015, The Virginia Museum of Transportation named Bud Jeffries “The official historian for the Norfolk and Western Class J 611 Steam Passenger Locomotive.” Bud Jeffries published numerous articles and gave countless lectures & presentations. He was also a guest speaker on several PBS documentaries.
Colonel Lewis Ingles (Bud) Jeffries dearly loved his wife, Ann, and their children Jennifer and John. He loved Ingleside, his beloved home & farm and the animals that lived there. He loved his friends and his community. He loved steam trains, bluegrass music and the long line of faithful dogs that were by his side. The epitome of a Christian soldier and an officer and a gentleman, he wore his love for his country and his lord in a quiet, dignified manner. He left a great legacy and his was a life well lived. His gentle smile, beloved presence, and twinkle in his eyes when amused will be greatly missed. He is loved beyond all words, beyond all measure…
A service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Radford on February 7, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The service will be officiated by Reverend William Yagel.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the following: Grace Episcopal Church, Radford; Glencoe Museum, Radford; NRV Agency on Aging (For Home Delivered Meals for seniors confined to their homes); or Fidos Pantry (For pets of those seniors).
The Jeffries family is in the care of the Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com
