Buford Lamar Justice

Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law: Bernard "Buck" and Ava Justice of Temple Terrace, Florida; sister: Erma Jane Justice Smith of Columbia, South Carolina; children: Rick Fethke and Debbie Fethke of Texas, and Scott Fethke of Shelby, Michigan; several niece sna dnphews; and a special friend and caregiver, Cindy King.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Arlene Pawlitzski Justice; a brother: Elmer Justice; two sisters: Vivian Fields and Mary Justice; and his parents: Byron and Ruby Barnette Justice.

Mr. Justice was a high school and College athlete, excelling at track and football. He was school friends with Mel Tillis in Pahokee, Florida. He played football at Florida State University with Burt Reynolds. the sheriff in the movie Smokey and the Bandit was named after him. He is a veteran of the US Army.

Although Buford had fathered no children of his own he crashed a Parents Without Partners meeting in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he met his wife, Arlene Fethke. They eloped to Georgia and were married on December 8, 1973. After their marriage he helped raise Arlene's three children and loved them as his own. Before his retirement as a lineman and supervisor at Florida Power and Light Company, Buford volunteered to help restore electric service in Miami, Florida, after Hurricane Andrew devastated south Florida in 1992. Shortly thereafter, Buford and Arlene moved to Greeneville, Tennessee, where he worked as a Wal-Mart greeter.

There will be a gathering of friends on Wednesday, October 12, 2015, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

At his request, his body will be cremated.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Amedisys Hospice and the staff of Durham Hensley Health and Rehab.