Buford Odell Love, age 77, of Como, passed away on November 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Buford was born on September 2, 1946, to Cleburn Odell and Elsie Jane Love. Buford lived a remarkable life defined by dedication, integrity, and a love for his family and fishing.
Buford’s journey began at Wood County Electric Company when he was just 17 years old. With determination and a strong work ethic, he dedicated himself to his career. His commitment led him to retire after an impressive 41 years of service when he was 58 years old. On May 8, 1981, he married Charlotte Love at Charlotte’s father’s house in Wood County. They spent a wonderful 32 years together before her passing in 2013. After Charlotte’s passing, a longtime friend introduced Buford to Jackie Roundtree and the pair fell in love. Buford devoted himself to Jackie for the last 11 years.
Outside of work, Buford found great joy in pursuing his passion for fishing on Lake Fork. Among all the fish species that inhabited its waters, crappie held a special place in his heart, and in his freezer! Spending hours casting lines and relishing in the tranquility of nature brought him immense happiness and provided an escape from the demands of everyday life. In his earlier years he was a member of a Bass Fishing club in Winnsboro. When he wasn’t fishing, he could be found tending to his chickens and ducks. He loved his chickens. Buford also enjoyed his monthly visits with the Wood County Electric Coop retirees. Once a month, a group of retirees would meet at Neon Moon for dinner, and it was something he always looked forward to.
Though Buford was known for his professional achievements and love for fishing, he was also cherished for his kind heart and unwavering support for friends and family. He had a way of making everyone feel valued and appreciated, using his warm smile and genuine compassion to brighten the lives of those around him. Serving others brought him immense joy, and he never missed the opportunity to lend a helping hand.
He was preceded in death by his father, Cleburn Love; mother, Elsie Jane Roach Love; wife, Charlotte Love; son, Shannon Odell Love and brother, Alvin Ray Love.
Buford is survived by his wife, Jackie Roundtree of Como; sons, Jason Love and his wife Sonja of Mansfield; Darrell Dodd and his wife Cindy of Como; Jerry Dodd and his wife Donna of Decatur; daughter, Kathy Vaughn and her husband Craig of Sulphur Springs; brothers, Calvin Love and his wife Sandy of Fruitvale; Clifford Love and his wife Sheri of Grand Saline, sisters; Alice Freeze and her husband Chris of Fruitvale and Tammy Elliott and her husband Dennis; grandson Jaxon Love of Mansfield along with 7 other grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and countless friends.
Services for Buford will be held on December 4, 2023, at 11:00am at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations with Brother Fred Morrow officiating. Graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Mineola. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Sunday evening, December 3rd, at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Jaxon Love, Calvin Love, Clifford Love, Cleburn Freeze, Lance Reppond, and Jim Jenkins.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Freeze and past and present Wood County Electric Cooperative employees.
