Dr. Avent was born Feb. 11, 1927, in Grenada, Mississippi, to James K. Avent Sr., M.D., and Annie Louise Avent at Grenada County Hospital, which was founded by his father.

Buddy attended the University of Mississippi, where he completed his medical studies prior to entering the United States Navy. His naval career as a physician took him completely around the world on a Navy destroyer.

Upon his release from the U.S. Navy, Buddy continued his medical schooling at Tulane and his residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana., where upon completion he established his career with Dr. Harold Cameron in Tyler as an OB-Gyn. During his practice he delivered over 6,000 babies in Tyler and the Smith County area.