Dr. Buford Elijah Farris, Jr.

Buford Elijah Farris, aged 98, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2024, at St. David's South Austin Medical Center in Austin, Texas. He is survived by his children: Michael Farris and his wife Kathy Hamilton, Susan Farris and her husband Larry Moomey, Stephen Farris and his wife Sarah, and Kathleen Deasy and her husband Martin. Buford is also remembered fondly by his extended family, including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, as well as by numerous cherished friends and acquaintances.

Born on September 24, 1926, in Port Arthur, Texas, Buford was raised in San Antonio. His life was forever transformed when, as teenagers, he met the love of his life, Betty, during a church hayride. This chance meeting blossomed into a 77-year relationship when they married in January 1947. Betty was a steadfast partner in Buford's early community work in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas, providing unwavering support throughout their many years together. Their lifelong partnership was a model of love, devotion, and shared commitment to social justice. Betty preceded him in death in July of this year.

Buford’s academic achievements reflected his passion for learning and dedication to his field. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps as a non-combatant during WWII, he completed his higher education through the G.I. Bill, attending the University of Texas from 1942 to 1949 and obtained a Bachelors and Masters in Sociology. During the early ‘50s, he obtained a Masters in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and was also commissioned as a home missionary by the United Methodist Church in Nashville. He later earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973. Buford’s early teaching career spanned a variety of adjunct faculty positions in San Antonio and a full-time position at the School of Social Work at the University of Texas in Austin. After obtaining his Ph.D. he received a tenured position at St. Louis University where he taught classes in Social Work, Sociology and American Studies. There he served as Chair at the Department of Sociology, a role he embraced with enthusiasm and commitment. His wife, Betty, who worked and taught in the Department of Art History, shared many intellectual and teaching pursuits with him, highlighting their mutual love for learning.

The family extends their deep gratitude to Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care during Buford’s final days and to the staff at St. David’s South Austin Medical Center for their dedication and support. During the past nine months of his life, Buford resided at the New Haven Assisted Living in Bastrop, Texas where he lived independently with the support of their staff.

Buford’s legacy of love, scholarship, and service will be cherished by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. To honor his service, those that wish to contribute to his memory can donate to the Family Crisis Center serving Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Lee Counties. Buford financially supported numerous fundraisers for the Center, which "envisions a safe community built on equality without the existence of violence." The Center can be contacted at 512-321-7760 or at:

https://www.family-crisis-center.org/donate-now

Services are pending at this time.