Buford Qualls

Buford B. Qualls, 91, died Tuesday May 10, 2011, at his home in Amsterdam, NY with his loving wife NormaJean Qualls, who he married on July 11, 1987, at his side. He was born January 3, 1920 in Curry County, NM, near St. Vrain, in a place known as the South Shipley Ranch, to Benjamin Franklin Qualls and Pearl Duke Qualls.

He was class valedictorian of Ranchvale High School graduating in 1937. In high school he was a member of the Debating Team and won the math contest in both his junior and senior years. In addition, he played basketball, softball, and ran track. He was high point man in both the county and district meets. In his senior year, Buford qualified and entered the state track meet in Albuquerque and won several awards. While attending Southwestern Commercial College in Clovis in 1938, Buford was a proud member of the colleges awardwinning basketball team that participated in several tournaments in the Area and City Leagues. He was later named to the AllTournament team in the City League. Buford was a graduate of Bensons School of Commerce.

A farmer and rancher for over forty years in Ranchvale, Buford was a member of the Ranchvale Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Associational Sunday School Superintendent, and Associational Clerk. Buford was also a member of the Central Baptist Church of Clovis.

During World War II, Buford worked as a civilian employee at Cannon Air Force Base, in addition to farming his land.

He is survived by his wife, NormaJean daughters, Lavone Q. Twilley Bill of Las Cruces, Anita Fogtman of Houston, TX Marilyn Mackey Joe of Shawnee, OK, and Dr. Sheila Williams of Las Cruces 11 grandchildren, 19 greatgrandchildren, three greatgreat grandchildren, cousins, a sisterinlaw, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents mother of his daughters, Cleo M. Qualls and a brother, Gordon L. Qualls.

A memorial service will be held in Ranchvale at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Amsterdam, NY, 246 Mannys Corners Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010.

Arrangements are under the direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home, 800 E. Manana Blvd., Clovis, New Mexico. 575 7635541. You may also sign our online guestbook at www.steedtodd.com .