Bufford Wayland Burns

Bufford Wayland "Bo" Burns, 77, passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in his home in Abilene with his wife, Verna Burns and his son, John Jay Burns, at his bedside. He was ready to go home to his new mansion in Heaven and meet his Lord and loved ones who had gone before him. Bufford was born in Hodges, Texas, on February 21, 1935 to Mattie (Mayfield) and Fredrick Houston Burns. He was a 1953 graduate of Abilene High School, having also attended school in Merkel. He married Verna Tarrant on January 9, 1958 in Clyde, Texas. He met Jesus at age 28 and served God faithfully, remaining a faithful follower throughout the years. He was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church in Abilene and a U. S. Army veteran. Bufford retired from Merchants Fast Motor Lines in 1990 as a diesel mechanic. He made a 30-year career of his God-given gift and talent of being able to repair anything. He was preceded in death by one son, Boyd Burns, in May of 2010; his parents; a brother, Freddie Burns; and sister, Jan (Burns) Greene and her husband who was like a brother, R.E. Greene. Bufford leaves behind his best friend and wife with whom he spent the best 54 years of his life, Verna (Tarrant) Burns of Abilene; son, John Jay "J.J." Burns of Pensacola, Florida; daughter, Pamela Honea of Clifton, Texas; and four granddaughters including Kali Jan Fehler and husband Zack of Clifton, and Kari Jill Crawford and husband Justin of Pflugerville, Texas and their daughters, Amelie and Annaliese. Survivors also include his sister, Marcalynda (Burns) Chrane and husband Leon of Clyde; brother, Don Burns and wife Vicki of Baird; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 2, in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stan Allcorn and Rev. Burtis Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Eula Cemetery at Eula, Texas. The family will receive friends from 5 to7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jay Hayhurst, Ben Nanny, Steve Letz, Weldon Wilkerson, Richard Swan and Eddie Mack Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be Al Caldwell, Bert de la Vega, Dean Hopkins and Theron Durant. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605, or Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 So. Pioneer Dr., Abilene, TX 79605.