Bennie Ray Bufford, 80, of Springfield, formerly of Valier and Decatur, passed away Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at St. Johns Hospital. He was born August 23, 1937 in West Frankfort to Carsie Ben and Annie Campbell Bufford. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Louise Hoffman, Berniece Vercelino and brother, Marvin Bufford. Bennie proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps. He worked for the State of Kentucky at the Convention Center/Fairgrounds for many years.He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Debra (Carl) Melton and Kimberly (Rick) Woodside of DuQuoin; grandchildren, Heath Melton and Heather Melton of DuQuoin, Timothy (Justine) Bufford of Arizona, Kandi (Kyle) Mensing of Wisconsin, Danyel Johnston of Georgia; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Ruth Feltmeyer of Granite City; companion, Betty Jones of Springfield. Cremation rites will be accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Chatham, before private family services. Mr. Bufford will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County, or HSHS Johns Foundation, 800800 East Carpenter Street, Springfield, IL, 62769; www.giving.hshs.org
