Roy Preston Fort was born January 18, 1920 to Claudie and Lorene Hennington Fort. After moving to Rising Star, TX, in 1908, Claudie and Lorene bought a ranch east of Lovington. It was here that Buddy grew up, along with his brother and two sisters.
After graduating from Plainview High School in 1936, Buddy went to work for his uncle Johnny Fort and then later for his father. It was during this time that he acquired his first herd of cattle. Granted, it was small, but with determination, it was enough.
On May 24, 1938, Buddy married a pretty, young school teacher by the name of Wilma Cooper. Subsequent to ranching east of Lovington for a time, the couple bought the Caprock Ranch and there raised two daughters. The couple spent 33 of 64 happily married years on that ranch, only moving into Lovington when Buddy's failing health called for it. Shortly after this move, Buddy inherited his father's property, the Martine Ranch. Wilma retained possession of both ranches for a short time after Buddy's death.
Ranching was the only life Buddy ever knew and Lea County was the only home he ever had. He put a great deal into his livestock, working long, hard hours to ensure they thrived. Not only a good cowboy, he was also a competent cowman and blessed to make a living doing both.
A fantastic roper, Buddy was known as one of the best heelers in the area. He won his share of ropings and rodeos in NM and TX. Other cowboys saw him as a role model, since he went through life humbly, never seeking the limelight. Whether with his family, friends, neighbors, or fellow ropers, Buddy made a difference in many lives, simply by his quiet, unassuming way.
Buddy was initially a member of the Lovington Methodist Church, and later the Tatum Methodist Church, where he also served on the board. He was a charter member of the forerunner of the PRCA, the Turtle Association, as well as a charter member of the Lovington Rodeo Club and an active member of the Tatum Rodeo Club. Along with supporting high schools rodeos, he was instumental in building the Lovington Rodeo Arena. A long time member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers' Association and active in the Caprock Community Club, Buddy believed in supporting activities that made the community a better place.
Buddy also believed in passing on traditions. That is why he taught his six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren to rope and encouraged them in rodeo, and that's why all of his grandsons continue to rope today.
Buddy was a cowboy with faith in God, love for his family, passion for the land, and devotion to his country. This was the Buddy lived - quietly - helping others without the applause of men and that is the way he passed on Febuary 12, 2002.