Buford Wayne Hampton, age 98, of Rockford, entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veteran’s Home.

Buford loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Lakeview Baptist Church. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a tremendous witness for Jesus and would often ask strangers if they knew God. Buford loved gospel music as well. He owned Hamptons Refrigeration for many years and built a respected career in the HVAC industry. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy and served our country during World War II

Buford is preceded in death by Grace Hampton, Bea Hampton, and son Steve.

He is survived by step-daughters Carolyn (Ronnie) Grider, Margret (Alvin) Huffine, Sharon (Mitch) Cleek, and Connie (Bob) Hall as well as several great and great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, Monday, May 11, 2026, in the West Chapel of Smith Funeral Home in Maryville. A service with Rev. Greg Long officiating will immediately after. The family will gather at 11:00am on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Clarksgrove Cemetery for interment.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Buford’s honor be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.