Two men, even though separated by 20 years in age, touched lives in identical ways. Officer Buddy Christian (34) killed in the line of duty on March 22, 2011, while responding to a call on Sycamore Drive in Athens and Tyler Moon, killed on April 8, 2011 at the age of (14) in a lawnmower accident on Spratlin Mill Road. Both of whom were well known to those in and around Madison County. Both of whom impacted lives not only in our community but in the surrounding counties and both of whom attended Hull Baptist Church on Hwy. 72.
Tyler, “Fort” as he was known by one of his closest friends Haley Gordon, was very active in the organization Extra Special People based in Watkinsville. A straight “A” student, Tyler poured his heart into everything he was involved with from church activities to playing football and baseball at the middle school and also his involvement in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His smile was contagious and he loved life and valued his relationships with his friends like Gordon. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved to go on trips to the lake. “Fort” was a great example of an “All American kid” and an easy-going kid who lived life to the fullest.
Senior Officer Buddy “Elmer” Christian joined the Athens/Clarke County Police in 2002 and was fulfilling his lifelong dream. Christian knew the danger involved in being a police officer but wanted to do his duty of protecting and serving the public. Christian was known to even talk with those he arrested about making better choices in life — not the usual procedure of a police officer. He was described as a man who loved his church, his family, and his job in law enforcement. “To Protect and Serve” was more than just slogan for Christian, it was his way of life regardless if he was in his police uniform or not. He had a passion for serving others from church involvement to volunteering with the Hull Fire Department where he also served as Chaplin.
His dedication to his duties at Hull Baptist church included operating the church’s sound system, working with the children’s ministries and serving as a Deacon among others. Christian, as well as Moon, were both active in many different activities outside of the job or school, and poured their hearts into whatever it was they were involved in. Both Tyler and Buddy would give you the shirt off their backs as described by those that knew them.
Buddy, a 1994 graduate of Madison County High School, was a devoted family man to Melissa, his wife of 15 years and his two children Wyatt and Callie. Prior to his death, Buddy and Melissa put together plans to begin building their dream home. Even after his death those plans turned into reality as volunteer builders pitched in and the community came together donating money and materials and the Christian dream home stands today.
Tyler and Buddy influenced many people by the life they lived. We remember, one year after their death, the impact they had in many ways. A wall ball court has been built at the recreation department in Danielsville in honor of Tyler Moon. Over 100 plus turned out for the opening ceremony of the wall ball court. Students, family, friends and some kids that have been involved with Tyler in sports were in attendance. The family tossed the first pitch towards the wall full of handprints of those involved on constructing the court. The same wall that has a photo of Tyler wearing his familiar number 9 middle school football jersey that reminds us all of this kid who touched many lives in just 14 years.
Officer Buddy Christian’s funeral was attended by law enforcement officers from all over Georgia and some as far away as Virginia. Thousands lined the streets from the Classic Center down West Broad Street and the Atlanta Highway in honor of Christian as his horse-drawn carriage transported his body to his final resting place at Evergreen Memorial Park with a line of police and emergency vehicles leading the way.
One year later we pause to remember Buddy and Tyler, 20 years apart in age, both who gave so much and made us all smile, and both gone too soon.
Dallas Bordon is a regular contributor to The Madison County Journal.
