This obituary was posted in
The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tennessee
February 13, 2006
Holly Springs, - Thomas Howard Buford, 83, died Saturday, February 11, 2006 at his home. Howard was the retired Postmaster of Holly Springs, having retired in December of 1988. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Holly Springs. He was the fourth son of Charles Carlisle Buford and Dellie Regel Buford of Holly Springs. He was educated in Holly Springs Public Schools and graduated from Mississippi State University. He served his country honorably in World War 11 and later he enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and served overseas in the European theater of operations. He saw action in the Normandy campaign in France and later advanced into Belgium and Germany while serving in the 438th antiaircraft artillery battalion. After the war, he served in the United States Army artillery reserves retiring 1961 with the rank of Captain. He was a Boy Scout leader organizing Troop 119 of Holly Springs and was honored with the Silver Beaver award. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Tommy Jean Martin Buford, one daughter, Pamela Jean Bray of Holly Springs; three sons, Thomas Howard Buford Jr., of Lexington, KY, Robert Carlisle Buford of Potts Camp, MS, and Donald Eugene Buford of Holly Springs. He is survived by three Grandchildren Laura Bray and Elton Bray of Holly Springs, Catherine Crank of Lexington, Ky. and two step-grandchildren, Jake Howell and Evan Howell of Potts Camp. He is survived by one brother, Richard L. Buford of Madison, MS. He is predeceased by his parents, sisters, Jenny Dale Bell and Ernestine Smallwood, and brothers Charles, Julius and Dudley. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 14, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church is Holly Springs. Dr. Milton Winter will officiate. Visitation will be at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Holly Springs. Holly Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or a charity of the donor's choice.
