Billy G. Buff • February 17, 2023
Billy G. Buff, 89 of Pensacola, Florida passed away on 17, February, 2023.
Bill was born in Section, Alabama in Jackson County, Alabama. He graduated from Scottsboro High School in 1950, moved to Chattanooga, getting a job at Combustion Engineering, working his way up to Draftsman. In December 1954, Bill was drafted into the United States Army, serving a majority of his time in Hawaii. After serving, Bill returned to Combustion Engineering and, with the encouragement of his loving wife, began to pursue his degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Chattanooga. Working full time, attending school in the evenings, making the Dean’s List, while supporting his wife and 3 children, Bill earned his degree in 5 years . After Combustion Engineering, he moved to Pensacola, for the first time, to work for Chemstrand in Cantonment, Florida. After working for Chemstrand, Bill moved back to the Chattanooga area to work again for Combustion Engineering. In 1968, Bill moved his family back to Pensacola where he began working at the Naval Aviation Depot at Pensacola Naval Air Station, retiring in 1996. After retiring, Bill began attending garage sales and refurbishing old furniture. This led to a second career opening up numerous booths at multiple vintage resale stores throughout the area.
Bill was a heritage member of First Baptist Church of Pensacola and a Freemason of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, F. & A.M. Macon, Georgia for more than 60 years. Bill also enjoyed returning to Jackson County, revisiting the people and places from his past, especially spending time with his immediate and extended families.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Julius Walter & Lillie Holcombe Buff, sister, Charlotte Buff, brother, Colonel Max Ladon Buff, son-in-law L.D. Neal, and granddaughter, Christina Elaine Neal.
Bill is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary B. Buff, daughter Karen B. (Chuck) Good, daughter Lynne Buff Neal, daughter Kimberly Buff (Chip) Smallwood. and son Billy G. Buff, Jr. He is also survived by 9 of his grandchildren: Nichole (Mike) Cornell, Christopher (Erin) Good, Dr. Morgan Smallwood (Bryan Yates), Dr. Jacquelyn Neal, Lauren (Eric) Lyons, Stephanie (Tory) King, Mariah (Jack) Gentry, Alexandra Neal, and Rebecca Neal; 4 great-grand children; Sawyer & Parker Cornell and Ashton & Mason Good. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy Charles (Marilyn) Buff and his sister Deborah Buff (Ricky) Breland; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and life long friends.
A visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Friday, February 24, 2023 from 8:00 am until the service begins at 9:00 am.
The family would like to thank his individual Doctors, Nurses, and their Staff. We will forever be appreciative of Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Ascension Sacred Heart and The Woodlands for their heartfelt care for Bill.
In lieu of flowers, Bill wished for donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children www.shrinerschildrens.org or Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/
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Mary and family. We wanted to let you all know how very sorry we are to hear about Bill’s passing. We only got to meet him one time and it was a blessing to all of us. He was a very nice man and we all enjoyed talking with him. He told us at the wedding he want to thanks us for his grandson. I want you all to know that your have been in our thought and prayers.
Lisa and Steve Lyons and family
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Billy Buff. Even though I am a long time Section, AL resident, I did not have the opportunity of knowing him. His siblings however have always been close friends to me. Max graduated Section High School 2 years prior to my graduation, but Jimmy and I were in the same graduating class. Max, Jimmy, and I attended college together at UNA in Florence, AL. I had the opportunity to teach the children of both Jim and Deborah. She and I later worked many years together if the Board of Education Office in Scottsboro. Besides our schooling together, Jim and I taught together 17 years. After retirement, we served together 12 years on the Jackson County Board of Education. Several years later, Jim’s granddaughter and my grandson were married. So now we both claim the same great granddaughter! I’m saying all this to show the respect, love and support of this family. These characteristics are exhibited by them in our small community today. Knowing Billy was reared by the same parents and reading of his knowledge and accomplishments, I know he was as eminent as his siblings. We deepest sympathy is extended to Mary, their children,his siblings and many friends. I pray God will wrap His loving arms around them bringing peace, comfort and understanding. God bless you now and in the days ahead.
You have donated $30 to
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Donation Date02/21/2023
Designation Shriners Hospitals for Children
In memory of Bill Buff
Prayers continue for my friend Billy and his family.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the family, as well as a donation in his name to Shriners. Wishing you all a peaceful time as you process this loss, and hoping you lean on the many wonderful memories you shared together.