Georgia Wilderness Society
Hubert (Bud/Buddy) George Queen
March 18, 1943 - July 13, 2025
Forsyth, Georgia
In Memoriam
Hubert George Queen (Bud/Buddy) was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 18, 1943, the son of Hubert G. Queen, Sr., and Matria Fouts Queen. Bud passed away on July 13, 2025, at his home that he shared with his wife, Niki, in Monroe County, Forsyth, Georgia, after a bout with cancer.
Bud had spent his younger years in Atlanta and moved to Monroe County in 1998 when he married Niki Collins. Among his many careers, he served as a contracting officer for the Department of Defense and the National Guard for 36 years.
Noted for his love of the outdoors, Bud was an active deer hunter, community activist, and environmentalist. His service along these lines included working on the Monroe County Greenspace Committee to protect natural wetlands, waterways, and air quality, securing Ocmulgee and Towaliga River wetlands for parks. Bud also became the Middle Georgia Director for the Georgia DNR’s Rivers Alive Program and worked as an Adopt-A-Stream water quality tester and trainer for the Upper Ocmulgee River Watershed. Bud was awarded the Georgia River Network’s “Volunteer of the Year Award” in 2006. In his spare time, he was President of the High Falls Towaliga Watershed Alliance, Chairman of the Water Quality Committee and served on that Board of Directors. As a member of the Georgia Wilderness Society (GWS) in its early days, Bud served as President and on the Board of Directors. Bud loved to plan and run wonderful trips on the Towaliga River for GWS members and honed his canoe expertise on week-long trips on Paddle Georgia waterways.
Bud and Niki loved to travel the United States in their camper in his later years.
States in their camper in his later years. Bud was a dedicated and loving caregiver to Niki in their home for a number of years, until his sister, Gina Queen Hunter, made her way on angel wings from Florida to help Bud with the care of Niki.
Bud was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Robert Wayne Queen.
He is survived by his sister, Gina, brother William Michael Queen, son Hubert George Queen, daughter Karen Queen, Granddaughter Kesley Kohl, and Grandson Andrew Jacob Queen. Also, nieces Terry Thompson, Matria Fullen, Tara Brandau, and nephews Jonathan Queen, Chase Hunter Stark, Dakota J. Hunter, and Robert W. Queen, Jr.
The Georgia Wilderness Society (GWS) friends will sorely miss him, his outdoor experience, and his gentle nature. May his memory shine forever!
