Buford Pipkin

by Ava

Buford’s life journey began on a cold night in Ridgeway, Texas on February 2, 1933.  He was the 9th child & 2nd son born to Grover Alton & Belva Mae Pipkin.

As Buford began his life’s journey, we knew he was unique in many of his ways.  He looked like his Father and had many of the same qualities (Honesty, Kindness, and Respect for Others).  Buford preferred his time alone in solitude.  He liked to read and he had many dreams, of adventure, of travel, and the hopes of getting married and having a family of his own.  He admired his Brother and all his Sisters for the lives they created.  He chose his own path.  He did not drink or smoke and enjoyed good physical health throughout his life.  We loved him with all our hearts.

Buford attended school until he reached the 11th grade and chose to join the U.S. Navy.  He served his country honorably for 3-1/2 years and earned the Korean Service Medal, the China Service Medal, & the United Nations Service Medal.

After returning home from the Navy, Buford traveled all around the country far many years.   He found odd jobs doing various types of work.  He never hurt anyone or took what did not belong to him.  He was a good man, who believed in God and did his best to lead an honest life.   He would occasionally visit the family and in the 1980’s, Buford helped his sister, Wanda, and her husband, Leroy, build a new home in Lubbock.  He lived near his Sister for a while and he began to dream of his big adventure.  Buford decided he wanted to continue his travels and see the country.

Buford bought a travel trailer & began to travel all over the land.  He had always had a dream of going to Alaska, and while Buford did a lot of dreaming, he made THIS dream come true.  When he returned home to the family, he said to us, “it was just too cold to live there”.  He liked the Texas weather more than he realized and he finally settled in Brownfield, TX where he lived until he recently became ill.

He loved to go to the local Walmart and drink coffee and stop by the Dairy Queen for a sweet treat.  Buford loved to piddle around with his truck and did his best to “make things work”.  He spent the last 2 months of his life at ‘The Plaza’ in Lubbock, TX.  He liked the people, but it was different from any place he had ever lived.  Buford taught us many important lessons in life, to love each other without conditions or expectations, to be honest and to be kind with each other.  We are grateful for his presence and love that he shared with all of us during his lifetime.  Rest in Peace our Brother.

GOD took Buford to his heavenly home in the early hours of April 6, 2007 where now he walks on the streets of GLORY.   He passed suddenly and with ease into the loving arms of God and he is “Free” at last.