Rufus L. Foshee Jr. passed away on March 26, 2013, peacefully, at home in Camden, Maine at the age of 81.

Rufus was born to Rufus Lafayette Sr. and Zula Greer Foshee on Dec. 21, 1931. His mother passed away on Jan. 2 and when he was 3 months old he was put into the arms of his parents’ best friends and neighbors, Susie and Berti Liveoak.

This temporary care became permanent and he grew up on their farm with eight foster siblings and with his four Foshee siblings nearby.

Rufus graduated from Clanton High School, was in the Navy four years on the Aircraft Carrier “The Coral Sea” in the Mediterranean and he got to see the world by visiting several ports of different countries.

He attended the University of Alabama, Columbia University and The New School and lived in New York City for 15 years.

His interests developed in selling modern art in New York City and real estate and antique pottery in Camden, Maine.

He sold antiques at major shows from Texas to NYC and Wilton, Conn., doing the shows sponsored by the Museum of American Folk Art in NYC for more than 20 years and shows for many years in Wilton, Conn.

He was pleased to display antique pottery on eight different shows with Martha Stewart. Rufus visited Camden in 1970 and said, “I knew I was home when I first arrived.”

He was a member of the John St. United Methodist Church and enjoyed promoting the Camden Study Group at the library.

Rufus was always challenged to do things first rate such as running a Show and Antique Forum at the Samoset, entertaining family and friends at large and small gatherings, planning family and class reunions and sharing his garden of perennials.

He had a passion for writing, publishing many articles about politics and antiques.

Rufus is survived by his wife of 38 years, Joan Diffin Foshee; two Liveoak sisters-in-law, Leona and Lena; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; three Foshee brothers and one sister; his foster parents and their eight children.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a celebration of life, which will be part of the worship service on Sunday, April 21 at the John St. United Methodist Church at 98 John St. in Camden, Maine with Pastor Peg Moser.

A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial contributions may be made to the John St. United Methodist Church or the Camden Area Christian Food Pantry where matching funds will be made if “Feinstein Foundation” is noted on the envelope.

Arrangements are by Direct Cremation of Maine in Belfast, Maine.