Dr. Buford A. Maner Jr.

Dr. Buford A. Maner, age 86 of Maryville, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022 at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was an elder at Maryville Church of Christ, where he dedicated his life to Christ. B.A. served in the United States Army. He was an Educator and an Honorary FFA member, where he mentored future farmers. His loves were his church, his family, and spending time on his farm. He loved sharing his knowledge of farming with students of agriculture. Preceded in death by Father & Mother, B.A. & Sarah Maner, Sr.; Sisters, Gladys Cain, Mary Armstrong & Lois Parker; Brother, Leeman Carroll Maner. Survivors include: Wife, Gail T. Maner; Daughter, Leigh Ann Sparks; Sons & Daughters-in-law, Richard & Julie Maner and Craig & Gina Maner; Grandchildren, Jimmy & John Michael Sparks, Rachel Parcell, Caroline Hamm, Sarah Lethco, Stephanie Constante, Joshua & Emily Maner, Kirstie & Andrew Maner, and Victoria Langley; Great-Grandchildren, Hudson & Evelyn Sparks, Isabella & Mackenzie Parcell, Presley & Jeremiah Lethco, Buford (Bud) Constante; Sister, Betty (Kenneth) Barnes of Chattanooga, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Stepping Stones Preschool, P.O. Box 5293, Maryville, TN 37802, where he was their advisor and supporter for many years. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM, Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Maryville Church of Christ. Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 PM, with Elder Herb Byrd officiating. Interment will be at 3:00 PM, Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Grandview Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Buford A. Maner Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.