Buford Gale Goins, 82, passed peacefully at home with the support of hospice care on January 3, 2026, in Churchville, Virginia, surrounded by family and the life and love he spent carefully building.
Born on March 5, 1943, at home in Howard County, Maryland, Buford was the son of Addie Rebecca (Lawson) Goins and Elmer Joe Goins. From the beginning, home, craftsmanship, and care for others were central to his story — values that would shape the man he became and the legacy he leaves behind.
A graduate of the Howard High School Class of 1961, Buford built a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and vision. His career as a general contractor and company owner in the commercial drywall building industry in the MD/DC/VA spanned 50 years. He was known not only for the quality of his craftsmanship, but for attention to detail and belief that anything worth doing was worth doing well with the rare ability to create something solid and beautiful from nothing — a skill that extended far beyond his trade.
Buford shared a devoted partnership of 59 years with his wife, Linda Dillon Goins. Together a life grounded in mutual respect, quiet teamwork, and enduring love was built. Their marriage was not simply measured in years, but in the countless decisions, shared dreams, and steady commitment defining their journey side by side.
Community service was a cornerstone of Buford's life. In 1976 he joined the Burtonsville Lions Club (Maryland) serving through the chairs & ranks to President of the club and later transferring membership to the Augusta Lions Club, having served nearly 50 years in Lionism. His service was never about recognition — it was about showing up, lending a hand, and making life a little lighter for others. This spirit of service also led him to volunteer at Camp Light in Waynesboro, Virginia, a place close to his heart, where children and families facing serious diagnoses could find relief, connection, and hope that extended far beyond a summer campfire.
Buford and Linda found joy in classic cars — especially his beloved 1956 Ford Crown Victoria — gardening, and creating with his hands. He was a deep thinker, a careful planner, and a man who believed that small details mattered, because people mattered.
Buford is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Dillon Goins; his children, Craig Goins (fiancé Iliana Serrano) and Aimee Balsam (husband Sam); grandchildren, Emily (husband Tyler), Kamryn (fiancé Chris), Logan (fiancé Travis), Megan (husband Danny), Ethan (fiancé Lia), Ellie, and Cade; and great-granddaughter, Addison. He is also survived by his siblings, Joe Goins (significant other Marilyn), Shirley Roberts (husband Tom), Jane Tyson (husband David), and Phyllis Puckett, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Buford Gale Goins will be remembered as a compassionate man, a visionary builder, and a steady presence — someone who believed in partnership, community, and the quiet power of doing good work with care. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he served, and the countless lives touched by his generosity.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Buford's name be made to your choice:
Augusta Lions Club
PO Box 2613,
Staunton, VA 24402
Camp Light
PO Box 446
Crimora, VA 24431
ACG Hospice
101 W Main Street, Suite A
Radford, VA 24141
Condolences for family may be posted at www.abettercremation.org
In keeping with his wishes, a private burial service will be held with family. A Celebration of Life is being planned and details will be shared in the coming months.
Born on March 5, 1943, at home in Howard County, Maryland, Buford was the son of Addie Rebecca (Lawson) Goins and Elmer Joe Goins. From the beginning, home, craftsmanship, and care for others were central to his story — values that would shape the man he became and the legacy he leaves behind.
A graduate of the Howard High School Class of 1961, Buford built a life rooted in hard work, integrity, and vision. His career as a general contractor and company owner in the commercial drywall building industry in the MD/DC/VA spanned 50 years. He was known not only for the quality of his craftsmanship, but for attention to detail and belief that anything worth doing was worth doing well with the rare ability to create something solid and beautiful from nothing — a skill that extended far beyond his trade.
Buford shared a devoted partnership of 59 years with his wife, Linda Dillon Goins. Together a life grounded in mutual respect, quiet teamwork, and enduring love was built. Their marriage was not simply measured in years, but in the countless decisions, shared dreams, and steady commitment defining their journey side by side.
Community service was a cornerstone of Buford's life. In 1976 he joined the Burtonsville Lions Club (Maryland) serving through the chairs & ranks to President of the club and later transferring membership to the Augusta Lions Club, having served nearly 50 years in Lionism. His service was never about recognition — it was about showing up, lending a hand, and making life a little lighter for others. This spirit of service also led him to volunteer at Camp Light in Waynesboro, Virginia, a place close to his heart, where children and families facing serious diagnoses could find relief, connection, and hope that extended far beyond a summer campfire.
Buford and Linda found joy in classic cars — especially his beloved 1956 Ford Crown Victoria — gardening, and creating with his hands. He was a deep thinker, a careful planner, and a man who believed that small details mattered, because people mattered.
Buford is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Dillon Goins; his children, Craig Goins (fiancé Iliana Serrano) and Aimee Balsam (husband Sam); grandchildren, Emily (husband Tyler), Kamryn (fiancé Chris), Logan (fiancé Travis), Megan (husband Danny), Ethan (fiancé Lia), Ellie, and Cade; and great-granddaughter, Addison. He is also survived by his siblings, Joe Goins (significant other Marilyn), Shirley Roberts (husband Tom), Jane Tyson (husband David), and Phyllis Puckett, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Buford Gale Goins will be remembered as a compassionate man, a visionary builder, and a steady presence — someone who believed in partnership, community, and the quiet power of doing good work with care. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the community he served, and the countless lives touched by his generosity.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Buford's name be made to your choice:
Augusta Lions Club
PO Box 2613,
Staunton, VA 24402
Camp Light
PO Box 446
Crimora, VA 24431
ACG Hospice
101 W Main Street, Suite A
Radford, VA 24141
Condolences for family may be posted at www.abettercremation.org
In keeping with his wishes, a private burial service will be held with family. A Celebration of Life is being planned and details will be shared in the coming months.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Buford Gale Goins, please visit our flower store.
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