William Thomas "Buddy" Givens, 81, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Baptist Health Deaconess Hospital.

He was born April 8, 1945, in Madisonville, KY, to the late Walter Davis Givens and Bertha Lee Gipson Givens.

Known lovingly to family and friends as "Buddy", he was a man whose life was marked by kindness, strength, and a deep love for his family. He served as the cornerstone of his family, exemplifying throughout his life what it means to be a devoted husband and a caring father and grandfather.

Buddy devoted thirty-eight years of service to Prestress Services where he worked as a yard foreman and was known for his strong work ethic and dependability.

Buddy was a devoted servant of the Lord and answered the call to ministry and became a General Baptist Preacher in 1977. He faithfully spent many years sharing and teaching the Word of God to others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter Givens, Jr., and Ross Wayne Givens.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Victoria Ann Bryant Givens; his children Melissa Ann Givens and William "Dave" and wife Misty Givens, all of Madisonville, Kentucky; along with his grandchildren, Matthew (Jacqueline) Givens, Jordan (Christina) Givens and Andrew (Chloe) Harris, all of Madisonville, Kentucky;  thirteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at Carters Chapel General Baptist Church, 580 Wyatt Avenue, Madisonville, KY, at 2 p.m. on Sunday May 3, 2026, with Bro. Tom Wilgus officiating.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at the church. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Burial will follow at Suthards Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 3940 Ilsley Road, Dawson Springs, KY.

A meal for family and friends will be held following the burial at Madisonville First General Baptist Church on 900 West Center Street, Madisonville, KY.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Givens, Jordan Givens, Andrew Harris, Tracey Bryant, Ross Givens, and Brad Porter.

Honorary pallbearers include Wyatt Harris, Bradley Givens, Slayter Givens, and Ely Harris.