At 2 p.m. on July 4, 2016, Master Sergeant (Retired) Buford Eli Crow, Columbus, N.C. joined his beloved wife, Gladys Elizabeth Crow, in Heaven. He was born on February 3, 1938.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Annie Mae Crow. He is survived by his daughter, Amanda Crow Staffelbach and husband Jack of Columbus, N.C.; two step-daughters: Joyce M. Jolly of Hendersonville, N.C. and Susan M. Greene and husband Ronnie of Gowensville, S.C.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Kelsey Staffelbach and fiance’ Grayson Oder, Connor Staffelbach, Noah Staffelbach, Deborah JollyHolcomb and husband Christopher, Audrey Greene Bagwell, Jamie Greene, and Nikki Greene Cole and husband Jason. Additionally, he is survived by four great grandchildren, Stark Oder, Alexis Greene, Brett Bagwell and Laila Cole.

He is also survived by five sisters: Rosa Simmons and husband James of Gastonia, N.C.; Irene Black and husband Larry of Denver, N.C.; Revonda Carswell and husband Harold of Forest City, N.C.; Maryann Blackwell of Ellenboro, N.C., Nina Gettys and husband Maynard of Ellenboro, N.C.; and two brothers, Rev. William Crowe and wife Dolly of Monroe, N.C. and Bobby Crowe and wife Diane of Bostic, N.C.

Buford was born in Rutherford County, grew up in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties, and graduated from Boiling Springs High School, Boiling Springs, N.C. He received an associate degree in horticulture technology and a diploma in automotive mechanics from Spartanburg County Technical Education Center. Having worked in textiles most of his life, he was a retired weaver from Mohawk Industries in Landrum, S.C.

A proud veteran, Buford had a distinguished military career of more than 20 years of service with the NC National Guard. He was a Christian, loving husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to everyone he met. He was affectionately called “Papa” by so many. A lover of the outdoors, he took pride in a beautiful yard and a great vegetable garden.

In his retirement years, he gifted untold numbers with his hand carved walking sticks. People loved his good humor and warm personality and he will be missed by many.

A special thank you to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills and the staff at Laurel Woods Assisted Living in Columbus, N.C.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2016 at Hickory Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. at the church conducted by Rev. Brent Frady and Rev. Michael Simmons. He will be buried with full military honors at Hickory Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice or Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

The family is at their respective homes.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory
Landrum, S.C.