Bud, 92, of San Antonio, FL, died peacefully as he slept Wednesday July 11, 2012. He is predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Bobbie L. Epperson, and a son, Edward Barnum Epperson. Bud, or The Colonel as some knew him was born October 20, 1919 in Sumter, South Carolina. Bud grew up in and around Tampa, enrolling in the Georgia Military College in 1940. When WWII broke out, he joined the Army Air Corps, and saw over 700 combat hours as a fighter pilot in North Africa, and in unarmed cargo flights over The Hump in China. At wars end Bud returned home and married the love of his life Bobbie. In 1948, calling for experienced multi engine pilots for The Berlin Airlift, he re-enlisted. In 1950 he transferred to Langley, Virginia working hand in hand with Curtis LeMay, and Jet Fighter Development until 1955 when he was assigned as the Air Forces Diplomatic Ambassador to South America. Bud returned to The United States in 1959 serving his final four years as a SAC wing commander at MacDill AFB. Following his Air Force career, Bud was elected as Commissioner of District 3 in Pasco county in the mid 1960s, after which he made a run for state senate, but dropped out to manage his familys ranch in San Antonio, where he would spend the rest of his life. Bud maintained a love for fishing and wood carving throughout, adorning his home with intricate carvings, and completely filling his office with homemade fishing lures to the point where his wife called it a junk room and began closing the door. He is survived by a son George L. Epperson, a daughter, Anita Epperson and grandchildren Nathan, Jason, Ashley, Patrick, and Tyler. We love you Granddad, and promise to always remember everything you and Grandma taught us. Well see you again soon. A private service on Monday, July 16, 2012 will be held with close friends and family.