Buford Kelley

Buford Kelley, age 82, a resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, September 5, 2022, at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care Center.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home with Jim Ledbetter officiating. Burial will follow in Maury Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on February 12, 1940, in Primm Springs, Buford was the son of the late Joseph Fate Kelley and the late Hautie Ragsdale Kelley. He married Patsy Ann Heflen on August 15, 1966; she preceded him in death on January 28, 2017. Buford previously worked for McBride’s Grocery and later worked over twenty-five years for the City of Columbia before retiring. He loved hunting and fishing and often enjoyed eating out and watching politics. He had a very special bond with his brother Cecil and dearly loved all his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his brother, Cecil (Barbara) Kelley of Columbia, sister, Ruby Ashmore of Summertown, brothers and sisters in law, Larry Heflen of Columbia, Terry (Connie) Heflen of Columbia, David (Libby) Heflen of Columbia, Donna (Danny Ray) Goldman of Culleoka, special nephew, Joseph Kelley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Clarence Kelley, Willis Kelley, Bertie Turner, Earthie Kelley, Leonard Kelley, Howard Kelley, Lester Kelley, Una May Brooks, Pauline Whaley, Shelby Jean Whaley, Judy Fay Mealer, and baby girl Kelley.

Pallbearers will be Scott Goldman, Brian Goldman, Daniel Kelly, Troy Hughes, and Kenny Manier. Honorary pallbearers will include Yullet Sparkman, Haley and Vickie Beerman, Buford’s special friends at Marty’s, Kathy’s, and Bucky’s, and the employees of Jim’s Auto Parts.