Billie Jean Buford

Billie Jean Willis Buford went to be with the Lord on June 4th, 2011. Billie was born in Oakdale, Louisiana on April 22nd, 1931. Billie was married to Tom Buford on June 24, 1950. Tom preceded Billie in death in 1994. Billie is survived by her children Jane Kendrick (husband Tommy), Allen Buford (wife Debbie), and Suzanne McCanlies (husband Tim). She has three grandchildren Bryan Buford (wife Kelly), Scott Buford, and Austin Kendrick and two great grandchildren Dean and Seth Buford. Billie is also survived by her sisters Bobbie and Pat and her brother Johnny.

Billie and Tom lived in several cities throughout the U.S. as Tom worked in the oil industry for most of his career. After the oil downturn in the 1980’s Billie and Tom opened the Sweet Onion Restaurant in Midland, TX. In 1986 Billie and Tom moved to Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, they managed a banquet hall for many years and received several awards from the city. In 1994 Billie and Tom returned to their beloved Texas to retire, where they lived with Suzanne and Tim on the High Lonesome Ranch in Rosanky, TX.

Billie grew up Southern Baptist as the daughter of a Baptist preacher, Grover Willis. She was the descendant of several preachers including Joseph Willis, who was the first Baptist missionary west of the Mississippi River. Billie attended Delhi Baptist Church in Delhi, TX.

The family will receive visitors from 6pm until 8pm on Monday, June 6 at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress in Austin, TX. Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 7th at 10am in the funeral home chapel. Billie will be laid to rest next to her husband Tom at Assumption Cemetery following the funeral service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Park Bend Health Center for the excellent care they provided Billie during her final months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Austin.