William "Billy" Buford
Born January 10, 1952, to Eunice Collins and Wilbur Buford, Billy was a 1970 graduate of Glasgow high school. He was a member of the 1968 Scotties state basketball championship team under the direction of coach Jim Richards.
Billy went on to further his basketball career he spent his first two years at Paducah Community College where he led his team to the region seven Junior college championship and a berth in the NCAA Junior college finals where he averaged 23 points and 15 rebounds. He also owns the schools single-game scoring and rebound record of 44 points and 36 rebounds. Billy transferred to Memphis State University where he played in the 1973 NCAA championship against UCLA.
After falling down some dark holes Billy decided that enough was enough and started his journey to recovery starting at Park Place Recovery Center. He ran the Warren County drug court Serenity Recovery Center in Memphis, Tennessee (MAAM), the Memphis Athletic Ministries and returned home to finish up his last job at CASA. On April 29, 2026, he celebrated 39 years of sobriety.
Billy enjoyed family time sitting court side as well as enjoying his kids and grandkids talking about life and what God has to offer as well as fishing, basketball, football, and vacations, especially in Bellaire Beach.
An August 25, 2013, Billy received a certificate of license to preach the gospel under the leadership of Kalvin Bowen. Billy and Faye were faithful members at New Bethel Baptist Church in Germantown and Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Donald Esters, and continued on under Dr. Carl E. Whitfield at 11th Baptist Church.
On Wednesday, May 27, at 6:45 a.m. God took his hand and said job well done my good and faithful servant.
Billy leaves behind a devoted caring and care-giving wife of 26 years Melita Faye Buford, two sons, William J .Buford, and Martell L. Graham; five daughters, Malea Graham Brady (Johnny), Monika Graham, Marita Graham, Maurica Graham and Mariah Graham, sister-in-law Marilyn Stockton (Mandell); two brothers-in-law, Maurice Graham and Robert Graham (Rose) and very special friend Larry Kenon; 20 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a host of nieces nephews and friends.
His parents preceded him in death, Wilbur Buford, Eunice Collins, William Collins, mother-in-law Hazel Graham, father in-law Robert D. Carver, brother-in-law Josephus Byrd, sisters-in-law Myra Henry and Marietta (Cookie) Garrard.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at 11th Street Baptist Church in Bowling Green. Visitation is at 10 a.m. until time of service.
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