Obituary of Reverend Dr. Edward Eugene Bufford

Reverend Dr. Edward Eugene Bufford, Age 84, transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Monday, November 18, 2019. Survived by daughter, Gwenoy B. Wood; other relatives & friends. Complete obituary forthcoming.

It was Monday, November 18, 2019 when the Lord called his faithful servant home. Edward, (aka)-Mickey was born the first son to the late James Lawrence and Sallie Mae Bufford on July 15, 1935 in Birmingham, Alabama. In this family he learned love and how to share his many talents with others.

Edward was educated in the Birmingham school system, graduating from Wenonah High School in 1953. He participated in several activities, especially plays, the concert band and marching band. He was an expert percussionist.

At an early age, he confessed his love of God and church and connected with Mount Zion Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend C. M. Smith.

He had many hobbies, but most of all he loved all kinds of sports. In later years, he talked about his family and good times he had spent with them. He also collected memorabilia from his places of travel.

Upon entering college a Tuskegee Institute; while still a freshman, he met his beautiful, wonderful wife, Jocelyn Jessie, fondly called Joy by all that knew and loved her. They were married in 1955 in Mobile, Alabama. To this union united in love and affection, one child was born Gwenoy Bufford Wood those that loved her call her Gwen. Mickey and Joy were married for fifty-one glorious years.

After leaving Tuskegee, Edward went into the Air Force and severed for three years. After the service, he worked at L & N Railroad and then the VA Hospital in Birmingham, until he decided to go back to college and complete his formal education. At this time, he had been called to preach. Family and friends were very proud of him.

Edward had received degrees from Miles College (B.A.) Gammon Seminary (M.Div.) Union Seminary Theological (D.Div.) the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2002 by Gammon Theological Seminary.

Edward had been a United Methodist minister since 1959. He has served pastorates in Alabama, California, New York and Tennessee. He formerly served as Director of Evangelism Ministries with responsibilities for Ethnic Church Growth, Preaching Evangelism, and Visitation Evangelism with the Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church. His first assignments were in the state of Alabama at several churches. He also served at Centenary United Methodist Church in California. For fifteen years, he served as Pastor of Brooks Memorial United Methodist Church in Jamaica, New York.

In 1998, he was appointed to Clark Memorial United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. He retired in June 2004. In retirement, he served Dixon Memorial United Methodist Church for eleven years. He loved the ministry and loved to preach the word of God. He has preached throughout the United States in several capacities.

Edward has traveled extensively to Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean. He carried groups to the Holy Land and served as the narrator and leader of the some of them. He loved cruising. He has been on a countless number of them.

He was the oldest cousin in the family, and he wore that title very well and all admired him and respected him.

Edward was often active in community affairs. He has been a member of many civic organizations. He held a lifetime membership of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a Mason, and a Trustee of Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta Georgia, and a member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Fellowship, Nashville, Tennessee. He formerly served on the boards of the Wesley Foundation at Tennessee State University.

“Life is a series of Adjustments”, “Holding on to broken pieces”, and “Let the church say Amen, now say it like you mean it”.

Edward Eugene Bufford was preceded in death by his wife, mother and father, grandparents, and all uncles and aunts.

He leaves to cherish his memory, daughter, Gwenoy B. (Derrick) Wood; grandson, Jamal (Rose) Darrow and Derrick Robert Wood, II; granddaughter, Marla Fisher; great grandchildren, Jazelle Richards and Carmelo Darrow; brother, James Lawrence (Gloria) Bufford; sister, Patricia Ann Bufford Scales; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.