Skip to main content

Longtime Browning desk worker dead at 56


Mr. Hugh Bufford, 56, of Martin, Tenn., passed away Sept. 30 after working at UTM for more than 29 years. Hugh was employed by the food services at UTM for three years and worked as a desk worker in Browning Hall for the Office of Housing for 26 years.

“He was a friendly person, outgoing, very dedicated and consistent about coming to work. I think he looked forward to being at work everyday,” says Housing Director Earl Wright.

Wright says that Bufford was a friend of his and that his contributions to the university were appreciated by many.

In addition to befriending UTM employees, many students also formed friendships with Mr. Bufford, who often took time to talk to students as they passed by the desk; he will be missed both by residents, hall staff and UTM staff.

Hugh passed away early Friday morning while working in Browning Hall.

Funeral services were held Monday Oct. 3 at the Williams Funeral Home in Greenfield.

Hugh is survived by his wife Boris Bethel of Martin, his brother Fred Bufford of Besha, Ark., and sister Peggy Upton of Harrison, Ark.

Article Image

Hugh Bufford worked as a dedicated employee--and more importantly, friend--of UTM for more than 29 years before passing away Sept. 30.