John Phillip Buford

It can be said that in life you meet only a few people that will always have your back; right, wrong, or indifferent and John Phillip “Johnny” Buford was one of those rare kinds of people.  It is with tears in our eyes and a heavy heart that we say “goodbye” to a man that had such an impact on the lives of many.  Johnny passed from this life Monday, December 18, 2023.  He was born April 3, 1966, to Howard and Joann Buford of Jackson. 

Johnny could be described as “rough around the edges”, but one of the most honest and loyal human beings, if you were in his corner, he had you.  He was passionate about several things, one being children, he had a heart for children and was an advocate for them.  He adored his own grandkids but would “go to bat” for any child that needed him to. 

Johnny loved his family, especially his children.  He felt they were his greatest achievement.  He adored his grandkids and was thankful for every chance he had to be with them. 

He spent countless dollars and miles in the mud holes and swamps of many a mud park and made enough memories to last two lifetimes.  If you knew Johnny and he let you in, you knew he had a heart of gold.  If you couldn’t handle the truth, well you better not ask the question.  You can count yourself as fortunate in this journey called life to have known and loved this hard-headed man and been loved back by him. 

He spent many years operating heavy machinery and was a plumber by trade for Buford Plumbing, the family business.  He loved being outdoors, whether it be mud riding on 4-wheelers or ATV’s.    He loved life and tried to live every day to the fullest.  He always put others before himself and would try to help anyone he could, he had a true servant’s heart. 

It goes without saying, that Johnny loved the Lord, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and he trusted and believed in Him.  He was a member of First Baptist of Terry. 

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents.  He leaves behind a legacy in his 3 sons, John Buford, Jr, Landon Buford, and Presley Buford all of Terry; a stepson, Austin Hardy of Terry; two sisters, Jana Buford and Kim Reeves; and a brother, Joey Buford.  His two beautiful grandchildren, Paislee and Asher Blaze Buford who held a special place in his heart.

The family will have a visitation Thursday, December 21, 2023 from 5-8 pm at Chancellor Funeral Home of Byram.  The Funeral will be Friday, December 22, 2023 at 12pm with a visitation beginning at 11am and lasting until the hour of service.  His interment will be at Lakewood South following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Johnny’s honor to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.