May 9, 1957 – July 19, 2012

VIDALIA — Services for Glenn Earl Buford, 55, of Vidalia, who died Thursday, July 19, 2012, at Natchez Regional Medical Center, will be at 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Vidalia with the Rev. Bill McCullin and the Rev. Duffy Carson officiating.

Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon until service time Monday at the church.

Mr. Buford was born May 9, 1957, in Natchez, the son of Earl Buford and Beverly Jo Buford.

He was a cancer survivor and while cancer changed his appearance, it did not define or defeat him.

Glenn spent his childhood growing up across the street from what was formally known as Vidalia Elementary. He spent a number of happy days roaming the neighborhood. One friend fondly remembers sitting next to him in the fourth grade when it was evident from the size of his desk that he was going to be tall for his age. Really, he had the biggest desk in the fourth grade.

Glenn was always neat in his dress and was a good looking kid, even at the gawky stage kids through. He was kind of quiet but always up for a game of football. He later went on to attend school across the river at Adams County Private School later known as Thomas Jefferson.

Glenn was a very talented guy. He was a gifted artist in addition to being a talented athlete. Glenn shined on the football field where he made Coach Marks look good. Just kidding Coach.

Glenn was voted Mr. Thomas Jefferson which showed how well he was thought of. As high school came to an end he accepted a full athletic scholarship to Mississippi State University where he played the position of linebacker under the guidance of Coach Bob Tyler. He was six foot three inches and 215 pounds. Glenn was a member of the Mississippi State M Club where he supported a number of charities. He was a proud Mississippi Bulldog graduate.

Glenn really enjoyed his days on the field in high school and in college. He was a history major and that really made sense if you had a chance to talk to him. He knew a lot about the past and old things. If he was interested in something he wanted to know the most about it or be the best doing it.

Glenn liked to refinish furniture. He always looked beyond someone’s junk and could see the possibilities and the beauty of what it could become.

He was a welder and worked in the construction field with Zachary Construction traveling to a number of places all over doing his job and supporting his family. It has been said he really was one of the best welders to be found in these parts.

Glenn was an avid gardener and grew some of the tastiest vegetables. Not only could he grow vegetables, but with his green thumb he had some of the most beautiful plants and flowers around.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one aunt, Marie Wilson.

Survivors include one daughter, Rachel, whom he loved so much; his only sister, Teresa; his former wife and chief caretaker, Terry Buford; a number of aunts, uncles and cousins, especially from the Buford, Sharp and Keating families down south; special love ones, Chad and Heather Boyette, Bradley and Tyler, Cage and Lynda Boyette and Ember; and his neighbor, Donna Stringer and her son, Jarred.

Glenn was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Vidalia. The family thanks Calvary Baptist Church and the Rev. Ron Ledford, Highland Baptist Church and the Church Hill Methodist Church for their love and support at this time.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Ames, Matt Avance, Jamie Keating, Charlie Rodgers, Jarred Stringer and Chad Boyette.

Honorary pallbearers will be Virgil Hoggatt, Glenn’s buddies at the Ranch House, CL Leonard, Pat Leach, Todd Ainsworth, Jimmy Temple, Preston White, Wesley Duncan, Gene Parker, Coach Bobby Marks, Louis Guedon, Allen Mardis, Pat Womack, Bernsie Marks, Emmett Keating, Jamie Keating, Colton Keating, Garrett Keating, Steve Slay and Chad Boyette.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.