Robert Strother Buford

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BUFORD, Robert Strother, of Richmond and Gloucester Banks, Virginia, died on February 2, 2012. He was born on May 2, 1923, the third son of Elizabeth Lanier Dunn and Algernon Sidney Buford Jr., of Richmond.

Bobby graduated from St. Christopher's School and attended Virginia Military Institute until he was called to active duty in World War II. He married the former Mary Butler Pollard "Polly" prior to departing overseas. Attempting to return to VMI following the war, he was informed he would be required to live in barracks even though he was newly married with a young son. Bobby declined that kind offer and elected to continue his education with Polly by his side at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Polly and Bobby settled in The Fan District in Richmond, living on West Avenue for 34 years and raising four children. Bobby began his career as a civil engineer working for the C&O Railroad and then joined Baskerville and Sons before becoming a partner with Torrence Dreelin Farthing & Buford (TDF&B). He retired form TDF&B in 1985. Bobby and Polly moved to Lexington, Virginia, for 11 years, returning to Richmond in 1996, where they lived at The Hermitage at Cedarfield. Polly predeceased him (in 1997), as did his brothers, A. Sidney Buford III and Lanier D. Buford. Bobby married the former Jane Guthrie Valentine. Bobby and Jane enjoyed living at Cedarfield and visiting their second home at Mattawan in Hanover County for 14 years. Bobby was proud of his service as Mayor of West Avenue and President of The Gloucester Banks Association, as well as his other professional, civic and personal achievements.

He is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughter, Molly P. Buford (Jamie Dickerson, deceased); sons, A. Sidney Buford, Lewis B. Buford and wife, Sandy, and Robert S. Buford Jr. "Rob" and wife, Barbara Iason. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christoper Buford, Lucy and Rob Ricca, Will Buford, Lindsay and Mark Wheeler and Emily Buford and fiance David Levesque; and one great-grandchild, Kevin Ricca. He is also survived by his long-time friend, Russell Jones and wife, Lizabeth, and their son, William. In addition, he is survived by two stepchildren, Beth Conley and Wilson Valentine and spouses; and several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.