Phyllis Salvador Hamrick Buford

Phyllis Salvador Hamrick Buford, born on August 15, 1945, in St. Augustine, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on October 27, 2025. A longtime resident of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Phyllis was cherished by her family and friends for her fun-loving nature, warmth, generosity, and unwavering love.

Phyllis graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in St. Augustine as valedictorian and enjoyed successful careers as an executive assistant and a real estate agent before retiring. She was raised Catholic and was actively involved in bible study groups, Joy luncheons, and community fellowship.

Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Christine Finch; her son, John Hamrick (Louise); her brother, Michael Salvador (Jenny); her sisters, Joanna Purdy (Mark) and Cecelia Harrington (Frank); her six beloved grandchildren; and her large extended family in St. Augustine. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack Buford; her father, Felix Salvador; and her mother, Josephine Salvador.

Phyllis took great pride in her Italian heritage. She was especially proud of her grandfather, an immigrant from Sicily who was recognized by the State of Florida as the founder of the shrimping industry in Fernandina Beach / Amelia Island in the early 1900s. Her favorite pastimes included reading, playing cards and games, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, watching sports and Hallmark movies, and spending time with family and friends. Phyllis also cherished her dogs (Sabado, Lija, TJ, and Bella Bleu).

The funeral service for Phyllis will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Wages & Sons Funeral Homes, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046 and will be followed by a reception. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia with her husband, Jack, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or the Gwinnett Humane Society (gwinnetthumane.com).

The family appreciates your prayers during this difficult time. Phyllis’s memory will be treasured by all who knew her, and her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.