Buford E. COLLINGS Jr.

YORKTOWN - In the early morning hours of Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, Lt. Col. Buford (Slim) Edward Collings Jr., (USAF ret.) was called by name to be with his Creator in Heaven, where he will once again be with the love of his life, Bette. He was born in Kansas City, Nov. 18, 1919.
Buford's 28-year military career took off in a Stearman preparing to serve the Mighty Eighth Air Force, in the 487th Bomber Group, 836th Squadron, piloting his B-24, Old Repulsive, over occupied Europe. His career shifted towards MAC, as a pilot, in the Berlin Airlift followed by service in the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and finally instructing for the Staff College before retiring in 1971, as a resident of Kingston, Virginia Beach. He lived his twilight relaxing in the home of his daughter, Sarita, on Dandy Loop, in Yorktown, Va.
Buford was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Brugmann Collings.
He is survived by his sisters, Emily Jane Shymanski and Elizabeth (Libby) Swensen; his children, Buford Edward III (Paul) and Rory Collings, Brian and Judy Collings, Gregory and Marjorie Collings, and Sarita C and Robert Howell; his grandchildren, Kyla Collings and Arlen Johnson, Darcy and Carl Wilde, Ben and Lucia Collings, Caitlin Collings and Joy Dominguez, Chris Woodfin, Jessica Collings, Corey Collings, Corinne Dame, and Lucas Dame; and his great-grandchildren, Augustin, Egan, Alexandro, Amaranta, Benecio, Kieran, Amelia, Angela, Nicholas, Alexis and Devin.
As we mourn this tragic loss, we can only pray for strength to celebrate his life and know that to witness his legacy of love and service to God and Country, all we need do is look into the eyes of his children.
The family would like to acknowledge York County's finest paramedics as well as the ER Staff of Mary Immaculate Hospital for their many heroic efforts to keep him with us.
In lieu of flowers, Buford would prefer expressions be made to benefit the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 315 Harris Grove Lane, Yorktown, VA 23690, with Fr. Mike Joly, officiating.
Arrangements are being handled by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.