Patricia Rose Buie

Patricia Rose Buie

October 26, 1940 – July 17, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Rose Buie, 85, of Melbourne, FL, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who passed away peacefully on July 17th with her twin Sons by her side. She was a devoted wife to late husband Jack Buie for 20 years.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 1940. She was the daughter of the late Anna Walsack and Harvey Augustine from Pittsburgh, PA.

She graduated with honors from Fayetteville State University with both an Associates and Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1975 then received her Master of Education Degree from North Carolina State University in 1976. She later graduated from the Command and General Staff College Officer Course in 1997. Patricia was one of the first female Army Riggers that packed parachutes for the Military at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. She was commended for helping establish the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) Training Course at Ft. Bragg when she supported the Special Forces. She continued her military service as a ‘Reservist for 25 years where she achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW4).

During her civilian career of 30 years, Patricia worked for the Department of Defense, spending a majority of her years at the JFK Special Warfare Center at Ft. Bragg, NC and later finished the remaining years at the Special Operations Command at McDill AFB, Tampa Florida where she retired.

Patricia loved sky diving while she was a loyal member of the 82nd Airborne Sport Parachuting Club at Ft. Brag, NC.

She is survived by her twin sons, Retired Lt. Colonel Donald Fontenot, partner Ernesto Buensuceso of Melbourne FL, David Fontenot, wife Maureen Fontenot and their children Audra, Zachary, and Ethan of Middletown, MD; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jack Buie, parents Anna and Harvey Augustine, brothers Harry and Earl, and sisters Anna and Norma.

Patricia will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery5525 US Highway 1, Mims, Florida on August 7th, 2026, at 1:30 pm where she will receive full Military Honors. For those that will be attending the graveside service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, please arrive no later than 1:15 PM and proceed to lane C. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vitas Healthcare Hospice: 4450 West Eau Gallie Blvd, Suite 250, Melbourne FL 32934.