Guy Warren Buford
Guy Warren Buford passed away on Friday morning, September 8, 2023 in Roanoke, VA. Guy lived a full, meaningful, and adventurous life, touching the lives of many beloved family and friends along the way. He died at the age of 93, maintaining his sense of humor, keen mind, and love of life until the very end. Guy was born on July 22, 1930 in Roanoke, Virginia to Paul and Anne Buford. He grew up in Roanoke, graduating from Jefferson High School before attending Virginia Tech where he studied civil engineering and was an active member of the Corps of Cadets. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1952 and settled in Roanoke where he began a career in civil engineering that extended for decades until he was 82 years old.
In 1960, Guy met the love of his life, Margaret Smith, at Second Presbyterian Church in Roanoke where he and his family were long-time members and she the director of Christian Education. They married in 1961 and had three children, Ernest, Virginia, and Guy Scott. When the children were young, Guy realized a lifelong dream and moved his family to the country. On the farm in Franklin County, Guy and Margaret raised their children, along with an abundant garden, and a healthy herd of black Angus cattle. Guy worked hard at engineering and farming, but still found time for active involvement in the community and in a new church family at Brick Church of the Brethren.
Guy had a keen interest in the world and the people around him, studying them, carefully and discerningly, to understand them. He valued being genuine and real and supported that in those around him. He was an advocate for those he loved, the community, and the planet.
Guy forged meaningful connections in the community through his service in many capacities. He served as a troop leader for Boy Scouts of America, as a founding member of Virginia Master Naturalists’ Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes Chapter, and was a 22-year member of the Franklin County School Board. He was also active in the Boones Mill Lion’s Club later in life and was an early member of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (formerly Appalachian Trail Conference), participating in the initial construction of segments of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia in the 1950s. An avid outdoorsman, Guy was a lifelong hiker, backpacker, canoeist, and cyclist. He traveled many trail and river miles and inspired many others to do the same.Guy is survived by his son Ernie (Cath) Buford of Richmond, VT; his daughter Virginia “Jan” (Jeff) Hout of Prescott, AZ; his grandchildren Nick and Nash Hout of Prescott, AZ and Seamus and Evie Mae Buford of Richmond, VT; his nephew Beverley Berkeley, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA, sister-in-law Frances of Roanoke, VA, nieces Katherine (Bill) Eager of Arlington, VA, and Elizabeth (John) Hawthorne of Richmond, VA; and numerous nephews and nieces. Guy is preceded in death by wife Margaret; son Guy Scott; sisters Anne (Beverley) and, Susan, and brother Paul.
A memorial service will be held at Germantown Brick Church of the Brethren, 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023 with Pastor Greg Broyles officiating. His family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Flora Funeral Services and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
