Mr. James Buford Dial, better known as Buford, age 82, of Sparta, passed away Friday, September 11, 2026, at the residence of his daughter.
Buford was born July 17, 1944, in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late Carlos Rufus and Reba Christine Crabtree Dial. He was an industrial electrician. Buford loved hunting and working on cars and guns. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as well as many years in the National Guard. Buford will be fondly remembered for his great sense of humor, his compassionate heart for others, being a good friend, but mostly for the love he had for his family.
In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Gail Dial, who died August 1, 2023; grandson Joshua Myers; stepson Steve Blanton; and sisters Marjorie Mullins and Sue Turk.
Surviving family members include his daughter Penny West and her husband James.
Grandchildren: Kurstin West and Caleb West.
Great-grandchild: Stetson Smith.
Stepdaughter: Tina Fortner and husband Richard.
Stepson: Rodney Blanton.
Step-grandchildren: Jason Flatt and wife Nora, Rachel O’Neill and husband Sean.
Step-great-grandchildren: Alan Stoner and Quinn O’Neill.
A host of nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Highland Cemetery. Kelly Stockton will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the Veterans Honor Guard, in care of Hunter Funeral Home, P.O. Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
