OBITUARY
Thomas Joseph Bufkin
January 5, 1948 – November 5, 2017
Thomas Joseph Bufkin passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2017. He was 69.
Tommy was born in Clinton, Mississippi, on January 5, 1948, to Otis and Anne Bufkin. He was raised in Clinton, played strong safety for the Arrows, and graduated from Mississippi State University where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Tommy served proudly in the Army National Guard, where he was named outstanding basic infantry trainee at Fort Ord, California. Always athletic, Tommy was a long-time MHSAA football referee and had the privilege of officiating several state championship games. Like his father before him, Tommy spent his entire career with State Farm Insurance serving as an agent with the Company for over 40 years.
Tommy is best remembered for his warm heart and engaging personality. He had innumerable friends, some very close and others merely acquaintances, but all seemed to genuinely connect with Tommy. He truly was welcomed and appreciated wherever he went, whether for his good humor in the duck blind, his loving support of his grandkids at football and baseball games, or behind-the-scenes in the business of politics. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents Edward Otis Bufkin and Anne Phillips Bufkin. He is survived by his three sons, Thomas Gerry Bufkin, Patrick Joseph Bufkin, and Edward Pearce Bufkin, as well as his brother Edward Otis Bufkin, Jr. and sister Sandra Bufkin Northern. Tommy's daughters-in-law include Ashley Hester Bufkin, Dinah Marie Bufkin, and Ashley Davidson Bufkin. Tommy's grandchildren are Patrick Barrett Bufkin, Thomas Hayes Bufkin, Gerry Winslow Bufkin, Thomas Beau Bufkin, Elizabeth Clark Bufkin, and Wyatt William Bufkin.
Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, Mississippi, on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A burial service will be held for family and close friends on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church located at 4088 Antioch Road, Hazlehurst, Mississippi. In lieu of flowers, family and friends are invited to make donations in Tommy's name to the Antioch Baptist Church.
Services
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Visitation
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
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Graveside Service
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Memories
Thomas Joseph Bufkin
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCARL GRAY
December 30, 2017
I just found out about Mr. Bufkin, and from our family to his, you have our sympathy. We thank God for him. He was the family's insurance man for over 30 years. He started with me and continued with all the children. Thank you Tommy.
Mike McPhearson
December 20, 2017
We will never forget you brother. You will always be a part of the old group that graduated from CHS in '66...me, Rankin, Garriga, Turcotte, Henry and you, to name a few. Rest easy.
Larry Hendricks
November 10, 2017
It was a great privilege for me to help conduct Mr. Tommy's graveside service. Thanks to the family for asking that. It was a privilege as well to meet this wonderful and warmhearted family. I'm glad I could give a word of comfort to them all. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Mr. Tommy, but I hope to meet him someday in Heaven. His family was instrumental in the formation and history of our church, Antioch Baptist Church, where I have the privilege of serving as pastor.
Sheri Ross
November 8, 2017
So sorry for your loss.............................
Mr. Bufkin was a great person with a big smile and a warm heart. My sincere condolences to you Mr. Gerry Bufkin and Family. My prayers are with you.
via Huffman & Company
Anita Wilson
November 8, 2017
Go rest high on the mountain or any other heavenly place you select. Don't fret over any of us old friends or customers. You've taught Laura and Kristen well...we will so miss you and wish you could stay, but that is selfish. You have suffered enough and surely have earned your wings. Go with God now my friend and thank you for everything!Tell Mr. Otis hello and your Mom too.
Susan G. Johnston
November 8, 2017
Ed, Sandra and family, I am so sorry to hear about cousin Tommy. The childhood memories I have of all the gatherings and laughter when visiting the Bufkin family will always remain in my heart. One of my favorites is when Tommy taught me all about horses and how to ride his horse Lucky, a memory I will never forget. At this time, I pray that the Lord wrap his arms around you And give you comfort and strength.
Merrill Maddox
November 8, 2017
My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. We grew up together in old Clinton during the 50's and 60's. Many fond memories of Tommy.
Jacque Martin Tharp
November 7, 2017
So sad. The last time I saw Tommy was when we were both buying flowers at Hutto's. His sweet smile and winning personality will be missed.
I graduated in 1963
Melinda Arender
November 7, 2017
So sorry to hear of the loss of Tommy. He was one of a kind. No matter where you saw him you were his best friend. Very Fond Memories.
Melinda Arender
Amy Radcliff
November 7, 2017
Farewell sweet friend. You will be missed. You were a kind, caring and generous friend. Thank you for everything!
Jimmy and Joanne Clark
November 7, 2017
We are so sorry, Edward and Sandra, for the loss of your brother. Tommy will always remain in our memories as the youthful Clinton High graduate.
Jimmy and Joanne (Ratcliff) Clark
November 7, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to family and friends for the lost of their beloved Thomas. I hope the promise at John 6:39 can bring real comfort. Knowing that there is hope for our lost love ones can be reassuring.
MARCEL T
November 7, 2017
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May God be a source of comfort during this challenging time of sorrow. Please take comfort from the words of PSALMS 94:19 " When anxieties overwhelmed me,you comfort and soothed me."
tiffany Johnson Taylor
November 6, 2017
I pray GOD'S peace and comfort for the family. Mr. Bufkin has been my agent since I started driving 17 years ago and also for my home ins . Rest in peace.
David Gunn
November 6, 2017
Rest in peace Tommy. Say hello to Uncle Otis and Aunt Anne!
Suzanne Yoste-Scanlan
November 6, 2017
Prayers for your brother Sandra---I saw this and knew I recognized the name. Sending prayers.
Al Schnorr
November 6, 2017
Al Schnorr
November 6, 2017
Tommy my favorite cousin and one of my favoriite people in the world. This verdant orb will miss your energy and genuine humanity, you always had everyone's best interest at heart. You showed me how to really enjoy this wonderful life and cellabrate all the simple pleasures. Thanks a bunch.
Ben Allen
November 6, 2017
Buf we are so going to miss you! You were the best roommate I ever had! Your infectious smile and mischievous grin will never be replaced. Phi Phi brother.....
Bill Carroll
November 6, 2017
God bless...
November 6, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family.
Tommy was a great person to be around and always brought a smile to everybody with his witty personally. He will be truly missed.
With love,
Mona Wertz Powell
Jay Hassell- State Farm
Ann (McDonnell) Fratesi
November 6, 2017
I have not seen Tommy since our college days, but have very fond memories of our friendship. I am saddened by the news of his death and will keep his family in my prayers.
BJ LYLE
November 6, 2017
Tommy,
It was truly a pleasure knowing you those years I worked at State Farm. You will undoubtedly be the best insurance Angel in Heaven. My sincerest condolences to your family.
BJ Lyle (formerly BJ Jenkins)
Bill Carroll
November 6, 2017
God bless
What a wonderful man...
November 6, 2017
May the family find peace and comfort in knowing all sickness, all pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
November 6, 2017
May you find comfort from God
The Staff of Parkway Funeral Home
November 6, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.