Buford was born in Columbus, Georgia, to Rebecca Hardaway King and E. Buford King, Jr., and was raised in Midland, Georgia. His childhood was spent riding horses and enjoying time with his siblings, Rebecca and Glenn, and his many cousins.
He graduated from The Blue Ridge School in Dyke, Virginia, in 1968, and went on to attend the University of Georgia, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and remained a devoted supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs throughout his life. In 1973, he married his beloved wife, Mary Pat Ward King.
Buford began his career in banking but maintained a lifelong passion for cooking. Inspired by his grandfather, E. Buford King, a founder of Kings Grocery Company, he carried forward a family tradition of hospitality. In the late 1990s, he founded Buford’s Brownies, where he became well known for his sandwiches, casseroles, and tenderloins, while his brownies gained widespread recognition.
He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors - particularly gardening, fishing, and hunting - and was an avid reader. A gifted cook with a keen sense of humor, he took great delight in preparing and sharing meals with family and friends, who cherished those moments as much as he did. He went through life with a smile, found joy even in difficult moments, and was known for his remarkable generosity.
Buford was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Rebecca King Speir. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Mary Pat; his children, Elizabeth King Rother (Chad), Rebecca King Sale (Josh), and E. Buford King, IV (Sheri); his cherished grandchildren, Lulie King, Beau King, Reynolds King, James Sale, and Mary Hollis Sale; and his sister Glenn King Springer (John).
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Buford’s dear friend, Roosevelt Harvey, and to his caregivers, Edgar Jefferson, Joe Banks, and Tony Bigalow, for their compassionate care and support. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Ron Hudson and Dr. Andy Roddenberry for their friendship and exceptional medical care.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Church. Buford was a lifelong member of St. Paul.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Historic Columbus Foundation (P.O. Box 5312, Columbus, GA 31906), St. Paul Church (2101 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, GA 31906), or a charity of your choice.
