William Hartley Buford

William Harley "Bill" Buford, age 93, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. Born on December 10, 1931, in Alabama to Tarva Lucille Parks Buford and Robert Ray Buford, Bill lived a life of dedication, service, and love.

Raised by his widowed mother alongside his brother and two sisters, Bill developed a strong sense of family and resilience from an early age. He graduated from Bibb C. High School in 1950. Bill served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force from December 1951 to October 1955, earning the Korean Service Medal, U.S. Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. During his service, he was also an enthusiastic member of the Air Force baseball and bowling teams. Later, he attended a two-year business school. After his time in the service, Bill found the love of his life, Sarah Nell; they married on September 2, 1956. Together, they would have three beautiful daughters.

Throughout his life, Bill lived in Tuscaloosa, Dothan, Mobile, Saraland, Huntsville, Alabama, and Austin, Texas. He built a successful career with Blazer Financial Services and Capitol Metro, retiring twice, and gave generously of his time as an AARP tax return volunteer. Bill was a devoted Sunday School teacher and served as a lay pastor, sharing his faith and wisdom with many congregations.

An avid sportsman, Bill played baseball in high school and continued his love of the game by participating in church league softball well into his senior years. His commitment to faith, family, and community touched all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Carrie Lou Worrell, David Alsey (Bud) Buford, and Elizabeth Joyce Herring. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Sarah Nell (Kornegay), their daughters Janice Hope Smith, Valerie Lynn Hulgan, and Lucretia Lane Gunn, as well as nine grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Bill Buford’s legacy of kindness, service, and steadfast love for his family will long be remembered. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

A visitation will be held on October 17, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Walnut Creek Baptist Church, located at 12062 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753.

The funeral service will follow on the same day at the same location, from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

A committal service will take place immediately after, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm, also at Walnut Creek Baptist Church.

A reception will be held from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the same venue.