French "Bud" Acord
On Friday, mid- morning of October 31st, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, French Acord passed away at his home up Brunty Hollow in Fairdale. He was in his 93rd year.

Born on a Friday, June 10th, 1931, at Saxon, French, affectionately known as "Bud" was the son of the late William Talley and Rose Tabor Acord. During the era of the Korea Conflict, French would enter the US Army at the age of 19, where he faithfully served his country. He was a recipient of National Defense Service Medal and the Occupation Medal (Germany). French held the rank of Corporal upon his discharge.

French would return to his roots in Raleigh County, West Virginia, and on March 26th, 1954 he would take his bride, Norma Jean Daniel. French and Norma Jean have celebrated 71 years of marriage.

French was a hard- working man. He worked in the coal industry for 42 years retiring from Eastern Associated. When not working in the mines to support his family he was farming and gardening, especially his vegetables. French and Norma Jean and their family worshipped at the Bolt Church of God.

French was all about his family. To the union of he and Norma were born four children, Wayne, Lonnie, Danny "Dee" and Lisa. Living a long life as French and Norma have has so many blessings and yet so many challenges. Sadly all four of their children have passed away as well as Wayne's first wife Linda, Lonnie's wife, Genia and two grandchildren, Sara Jean and Jacob Wayne.

We don't always understand but God has a plan and the daughter in-laws, Tossy Acord (Wayne's wife) and Kelli Acord ( Danny's wife) and the grandkids have looked out for French and Norma throughout the good and the bad times.

In addition to the daughters-in-laws, French leaves a legacy of his grandchildren, Jami Birchfield, Michell Allen, Randi Kuhn, Trina Canady, Leah Allen, Lonnie Acord, Kourtney Daniel, Danny Acord II, Norma Acord Combs, Zachary Acord, Mathew Acord, Jessica Alderman, Brittany Smith and John Acord. He and Norma were blessed with 23 great grandchildren.

Among a large extended family, there is a special nephew, Wonnie Acord and his wife Joan. The family would like to acknowledge caregivers, Linda Sears, Angie Daniels, Lori Bolen and Pam Scarafino, many thanks to hospice nurses, Stacy, Melva, Brittany and Angie.

The family would also like to thank the great service from the staff of Melton Mortuary and the Cline Family for all their kindness during this time.

This Friday, November 7th at 12 noon the funeral of French will be conducted at the Bolt Church of God. Pastors Bobby Carter and Gary Allen will be officiating. The family will receive friends at 11:00 am at the church. And now the circle is completed. 93 years, 4 months and 28 days later, French returns to Saxon where he was born. He will be laid to rest in Daniels Family Cemetery. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. God Bless You French and until we all meet again.