Russell Claude “BUFF” Bufford

Russull C. Bufford, known by all as "Buff', 92, of Sun City, Arizona, formally of Macomb, IL, Quincy, IL, and Kankakee, IL, died on Tuesday 4-19-2022, following a short Illness.
Buff was born on January 26, 1930, In Quincy IL, son of Walter & Mary (Veile) Bufford. He married Phyllis A. Schwieter on 10-13-1951 in Quincy, IL, and they had three children. Phyllis was deceased on 8-31-1958. Buff married Beverly Swisegood on 10-12-1962, and she had one child. Beverly was deceased on 11-9-2019.
Buff was a life long vocalist, starting in high school, in Church, and several Barber Shop Quartets.
Buff served in the Naval Reserve from July 1948 through July 1952.
Buff was employed by Montgomery Ward Store for 20+ years. He was a manager of the Farm Store in Macomb, IL. He transferred to the Quincy Store, and finally to Kankakee Store where he retired from. Buff then started his own business, B&B Installation Company in 1968. He ran a successful company until 1985 when he retired again. Buff and Beverly relocated to Sun City, Arizona. Buff then worked for Picerne Management Corporation in Arizona for 10 years. He retired from Picerne and worked for Home Depot until his final retirement 2015.
Buff was dedicated to the Catholic Faith and community service. Buff was a character. He loved to hunt and fish in his younger years. Buff had a life-long love for camping. He spent his entire life camping across the country and countless campers. During his Sun City era, he loved to golf and was an avid golfer. Buffs humor was always on display. Comical and always "on-point". He loved a good joke, to tell a joke, and bring joy to his family, friends, and neighbors with his good-natured wit. Buff loved to gather with people and he could talk to anyone. The last couple of years, following the death of Beverly, Buff brought together the neighbors on his block by hosting Friday morning Donuts and Coffee in his garage.
Buff was a dedicated "family man" and loved his family, three sons and one daughter. He loved traveling across the country with his camper to visit his children and grandchildren in Illinois as much as he loved their traveling to Arizona to visit him and being shown the sights and highlights of the State of Arizona.
Buff, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend; will be missed by many. Surviving are: one sister, Carol White of Dallas, TX; daughter, Nancy and Richard Maley and their children, Michael and Susana Maley of Chicago, IL, Melissa and Jon Bober of San Deigo, CA, and Mandy and George Bond of Phoenix, AZ; son David and Junaita Bufford of Kankakee, IL, and their
children Russell and Jolene Bufford, William and Jaclyn Bufford, and Allen and Donna Rae Bufford, all of Kankakee, IL; and son Gary and Dawn Bufford of Kimberling City, MO, and their children Nick and Jayme Bufford, Drew and April Bufford, and Cris and Alyssa Bufford all of Kankakee, IL, and son, Timothy Bufford preceeded Russell in death; his children Heather and Jason Hopp of Kankakee, IL, and Greg and Kelly Bufford of Frankfort, IL. Buff had 26 great-grandchildren. Also special mention is Buff's caregiver and friend, Jonathon Vallo of Phoenix, AZ. Jonathon was a life-line for Buff providing unmeasurable opportunities to remain in his home and enjoy life. From the day-to-day activities, doctors appointments, and home care; Jonathon took Buff to ballgames, races, church, outings to the local camp ground, and endless activites that enabled Buff to live in his home and enjoy life until his sudden illness. Our heartfelt thanks to Jonathon for caring for and loving Buff and giving him the final opportunity at "Stay Home".
A gathering of neighbors and friends was held in Sun City, Arizona on Thursday 4-21-2022 - for Donuts & Coffee in the garage at Buffs home, to "celebrate friendship". A memorial service to be held in Kankakee, IL at a later date for family. A memorial service and burial will be arranged in Calvery Cemetery in Quincy, IL.