Col. Lewis Ingles “Bud” Jeffries, descendant of Mary Draper Ingles, has died
Heather Bell
RADFORD – Lewis Ingles “Bud” Jeffries, Colonel, U.S. Army (Ret.) died Jan. 20, 2026, at the age of 83.
Jeffries, who owned and operated Ingles Farm, was a direct descendant of famous pioneer Mary Draper Ingles and was a decorated Army combat veteran who gave freely of his time and resources to the Radford community throughout his life. An avid historian, he was instrumental in the creation of Glencoe Museum and regularly opened his farm, along with a reconstruction of the cabin once lived in by Mary Draper Ingles, to the public.
Jeffries was a consummate gentleman who was always open to a talk about his ancestry, the history of the railroad and the New River Valley, or just a pleasant chat. He was often found volunteering his time to a myriad activities and causes in the city and beyond.
He was born Jan. 28,1942 in Roanoke to Melville Lewis Jeffries and Mary Lewis Ingles Jeffries and is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Veirs Jeffries; children Mary Jennifer and John Travis (Brit Ritchey); and countless cherished family members and friends.
Jeffries graduated from Radford City Schools and earned a degree in Animal Science at Virginia Tech, Class of 1964. According to his obituary, “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 also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg University while stationed at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. Among the many places Jeffries served during his Army career was the Pentagon. He retired from the Army on Sept. 1, 1991, and the Jeffries family returned home to Ingleside in Radford. 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,” Jeffries obituary reads. “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.”
Jeffries served on the New River Land Trust Board of Directors and was Executive Director of the Radford Main Street Program for over four years. He 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, was on the vestry of Grace Episcopal Church as Senior Warden and Trustee and was a member of the VFW (Post 776) in Radford.
Among the many accolades bestowed on Jeffries in Radford was a key to the City of Radford and the VFW Post 776’s Commanders Award in 2016. At that ceremony, then-Commander of the VFW Post 776 Gary Harris called Jeffries “an outstanding citizen of exceptional leadership and devoted service,” whose 26-year Army career, including a tour in Vietnam, produced a long list of medals and awards.
Jeffries was commissioned in the United States Army, entering active duty on Jan. 3, 1965. He was awarded an Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and Rangers Tab.
In presenting Jeffries with the Key to the City, then- Radford Mayor Dr. Bruce Brown called Jeffries “a true hero who has made significant contributions through his military career and beyond his military service, Bud has continued to live the spirit of America through his contributions to our community by volunteering, serving on boards and commissions and opening his property to the public for Cabin Days and other events.”
“It’s an honor not only to recognize Bud for his military service but for his citizenship as well,” Brown said at the time.
In a social media post, Glencoe Mansion acknowledged Jeffries contributions.
“The Radford community has lost a great historian and advocate this week with the passing of Col. Lewis “Bud” Ingles Jeffries,” it reads. “He was instrumental with the founding of many Radford institutions including the Radford Heritage Foundation, which runs Glencoe Mansion and the Mary Draper Ingles Cultural Heritage Park.”
