Buford Miller

Buford Miller, surrounded by his family, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on March 22, 1938 in Kona, Kentucky, Buford leaves behind a legacy of hard work, quiet strength, and deep love for those who meant the most to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd Miller and Myrtle Bates Miller; his brother, Carl Miller; and his sisters, Charlcie Frazier, Cleo Winkler, and Clara Collins. He is survived by his brother, Graby Miller; and three sisters, Margie Kwiecien, Kay Glowacki, and Elnora Torok (John), all of whom reside in Michigan.

Buford was raised in Mayking, Kentucky, though his early years were spent traveling back and forth between Kentucky and Michigan with his family. Those experiences helped shape the resilient, hardworking man he would become.

At 22 years old, Buford married the love of his life, Volena Webb. Together they shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. Charlestown, Indiana has been their home for the past 64 years, where they built their life and raised their family.

Buford is survived by his children: Bufford Miller of Lexington, Indiana; Greg Miller (Beckie) of Louisville, Kentucky; Sondra Graves of Marysville, Indiana; and James Miller (Dana) of Corydon, Indiana. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

In Volena’s final years, as she faced the challenges of dementia, Buford cared for her with the same devotion she had shown him throughout their life together. With patience, loyalty, and quiet strength, he stood by her side each day, returning the love and steadiness she had given throughout their life together. Having lost his beloved Volena less than five months ago, her absence is deeply felt; however, there is comfort in knowing they are reunited once again.

In his younger years, Buford was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors. He had a lifelong appreciation for nature, especially birds, and could skillfully whistle and imitate the sounds of nearly any bird he heard. He was also known for playing a mean game of checkers and was never one to shy away from a challenge.

A skilled welder by trade, Buford retired from Jeffboat after many dedicated years of service. Even outside of his career, he was rarely still and always creative. He loved working with his hands and had a natural ability to create or fix almost anything, whether through leatherwork, woodworking, or other crafts. If something needed to be built, repaired, or figured out, Buford was usually the one who could do it.

Buford enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: browsing thrift stores, taking evening drives with Volena to watch wildlife, attending his grandchildren’s ballgames, and stopping at yard sales whenever he spotted tools of any kind. He found joy in being out and about, especially when it meant time with family.

He was also known for his stubborn determination — a quality the family lovingly refers to as “the Miller way.” After surviving lung issues more than 50 years ago and enduring a long battle with COPD, Buford continued to defy the odds. Whether he was taking his boat out on Fourteen Mile Creek to fish or riding his bike through town, he lived life on his own terms and took pride in proving the doctors wrong.

Above all, Buford will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering determination, and steady, quiet love. His legacy lives on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.

A graveside service honoring Buford’s life will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Charlestown Cemetery, 522 Madison St., Charlestown Indiana, 47111.