Buford Dial

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 husband James

Grandchildren: Kurstin West and Caleb West

Great grandchild: Stetson Smith

Step daughter: Tina Fortner and husband Richard

Step son: 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 11:00am Tuesday, September 15, 2026 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors by the Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-7:00pm Monday at Hunter Funeral Home. Kelly Stockton will officiate. 

Memorials may be made to the Veterans Honor Guard in care of Hunter Funeral Home PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583