of Batesville, AR
June 19, 1927 - November 3, 2019
Buford Manuel Maddox was born June 19, 1927 in Quitman, Arkansas to Rev. Walter B. and Minnie Barrett Maddox, the youngest of their eight children, and he passed away November 3, 2019 in Batesville, Arkansas.
In 1945 Buford met the love of his life, Bernice Lape, and they were soon married. They had one daughter, Carolyn.
When World War II ended Buford was sent to Germany where he served in the United States Constabulary for one year.
Buford worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Company in Searcy for many years, beginning with driving a delivery truck and eventually became plant manager. In 1969 he and his family moved to Batesville, Arkansas, where he continued to work for Coca-Cola until he retired in 1989.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Batesville. He had served as President of the Searcy Chamber of Commerce and had been active in the Rotary Club and Lions Club.
He was a man who "never met a stranger" and he made everyone feel special. He had a good memory and a talent for telling stories from his childhood in vivid detail. He always had a smile. He loved to laugh.
He spent the last year of his life at Wood Crest Assisted Living, where he loved the residents and staff.
Buford is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bernice, and daughter, Carolyn Biderman; his brothers, Pierce, Barnell and George "Pep" Maddox; and his sisters, Bonnie Lee Maddox, Bronnie Jones, Odell Hubbard, and Mamie Daves.
He is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, Charles "Abby" and Dorothy Treadway and their family, as well as many others who knew and loved him.
Pallbearers are Kevin Jones, Bob Maddox, Robert Simmons, Roger Treadway, Charlie Treadway, and Travis Treadway.
Funeral services will be held November 6, 2019 at the Roller-Crouch Chapel in Batesville at 2:00pm with Wesley Wren officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitations will be held one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Independence County Humane Society 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, Arkansas 72501 or to Rotary International (Batesville Rotary Club) P.O. Box 2654, Batesville, AR 72503
I am saddened to learn of the passing of my good and long-time friend, Buford. We shared many good times together down through the years while living in Batesville. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Sincerely,
Robert Ford, Jr.
(formerly of Batesville, AR.)
There are not enough words to say about this great man! He was everything anyone would want in a friend! We will miss you Granddad and love you very much!! We will join you again one day for another Birthday party!!
Oh how I will miss your sweet and gentle soul. I will never forgot all the many stories you told me while sitting at your kitchen table. Throwing Rosie toy and watching your face light up. It was a great honor to help care for you and those last words you spoke to me as I walked out that door I will never forget. May God be with all your family and all your many friends thst loved you so. You are finally home my sweet friend.
Buford was one of a kind. He was one of the most genuine men I’ve ever known. He always had me call him Dad, even after Carolyn and my divorce. He never judged, he accepted all for who they are. An amazing man I will truly miss and never forget. To Faye and the family and friends, we have all been truly blessed to have known such a man. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of you.
It was a honor and privilege to take care of Buford. He was a very sweet man. He will be missed by all of us at Woodcrest. Rest in peace.