J.H. “BUDDY” RASPBERRY

1933-1990

J.H. “Buddy” Raspberry, a man of sterling character, made an indelible mark on the International Longshoremen’s Association.

Born and reared in Houston, Raspberry attended both Texas A&M and the University of Texas, then served in the Air Force. He first served in the ILA as Personnel Director, rising steadily through the ranks before becoming President of Local 1273 in 1968. He moved into a succession of council positions before becoming International Vice President in July 1987. He died less than three years later after a brief illness. 

During his union career, Brother Raspberry devoted himself to his family and to the cause of unions. Honest to a fault and generous to all, he never betrayed a friendship of confidence. He was a kind employer and was popular at every level of the union movement. His death at age 56 cost the Texas labor movement a vital voice in its prime. 

Because of union leaders like Buddy Raspberry, Texas workers have enjoyed better working conditions and a principled voice.