Aubrey “Bud” Howard Ewing, age 78, of Elkton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was born on November 27, 1947, in Wilmington, Delaware, to the late Ralph Downey Ewing and Audrey Catherine (Rose) Ewing.
Bud was a devoted family man, a proud American, a respected member of the Order of Isshinryu, and a familiar and trusted presence in the Elkton community. Throughout his life, three things remained especially important to him: his family, the Order of Isshinryu, and Jayco Liquors. These were not simply parts of his life, they reflected the values, friendships, service, and sense of community that defined who he was.
Bud graduated from Goldey-Beacom College, carrying with him the determination and work ethic that would serve him throughout his life. From an early age, Bud grew up in the boat business with his father and brothers, spending countless hours on the water and working on outboard motors. He and his family became known for helping others when they needed it most, often making emergency repairs and getting people safely back on their way. Bud knew the Upper Bay and its waterways exceptionally well. The water was more than a place to work; it was a part of his upbringing, his knowledge, and his life.
Bud was also a United States Army veteran, serving as a Vietnam Medic from 1967 to 1969. His service reflected his courage and willingness to put the needs of others before himself. During his service, he was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action as a Specialist 4 and received the Purple Heart. These honors stand as lasting reminders of his bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to his fellow soldiers. Bud was also a proud member of the Chesapeake City VFW, continuing his connection with fellow veterans and honoring the service and sacrifice of those who served our country.
Following his military service, Bud continued to build a life centered on hard work and service to others. He owned and operated Jayco Liquors in Elkton, Maryland, where he became a familiar face and an important part of the community. For Bud, Jayco Liquors was more than a business. It was a place where people gathered, friendships were formed, stories were shared, and Bud had the opportunity to know and help the people around him.
One of the most meaningful commitments of Bud’s life was his dedication to the Order of Isshinryu. He was a devoted member who took the principles of the Order seriously and sought to live by its 12 Codes. Those principles were not merely words to Bud—they were a guide for how he lived, treated others, and carried himself. His commitment to the Order touched many lives and created lasting friendships and bonds that extended well beyond the dojo.
Above all else, Bud cherished his family. His accomplishments, military service, business, friendships, and commitments were all part of a life built around the people he loved. He will be remembered for his loyalty, his willingness to help others, his stories and experiences, his knowledge of the water, and the many ways he quietly made a difference in the lives of those around him.
Bud leaves behind a legacy of family, service, friendship, courage, and community. He lived a life marked by dedication, to his loved ones, to his country, to the Order of Isshinryu, and to the community he served through Jayco Liquors.
His memory will live on in the family he loved, the friends he made, the veterans with whom he served, the members of the Order of Isshinryu, the customers and friends of Jayco Liquors, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Bud will be deeply missed, but the lessons he lived by and the lives he touched will remain.
Bud is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Ewing; son, Bill Pipes; brother, Rick Ewing; sisters, Lou Ann Carroll and Sandy Graham; and nephew, Jeff Ewing. In addition to his parents, Bud is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Ewing.
A visitation for Bud will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 from 6:00-8:00PM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 318 George Street Chesapeake City, MD 21915. A celebration of Bud’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:00AM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., 318 George Street Chesapeake City, MD 21915, where friends and family may begin visiting at 10:00AM. A burial with military honors will be held at Bethel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent online to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, https://heroes.vfw.org/page/185924/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=homepage or Lions Club, https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate.