Buford E. Cline, age 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Paoli Hospital.
Buford was born May 7, 1924 to the late Edward and Emily Cline in New Castle, DE, and graduated from William Penn High School, Class of ’42. Buford attended the University of Delaware but choose to enlist in the US Navy in January of 1943. After bootcamp in Newport, RI, the US Navy sent him to the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis, Tennessee where he met the love of his life, Dorothy. Buford served with Blimp HedRon Four and then aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt as an Aviation Ordnanceman First Class. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 and was awarded the Navy Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the American Theater Ribbon.
After Buford’s discharge from service, he and Dorothy were married and they returned to New Castle, DE where Buford studied accounting at Goldey-Beacom College and worked for the Atlantic Richfield Company. Buford retired as a Credit Manager with Atlantic Richfield Company in December 1983. Buford and Dorothy were happily married for 62 years until her passing in March of 2009.
Buford joined the Berwyn Fire Company in 1989 as a Fire Police Officer and served as Lieutenant from 1996-2000. He was awarded Fire Police Officer of the Year in 2006. Buford also served as Trustee and Financial Secretary for two terms and was instrumental in getting the Fire Police Unit to actively participate in the Chester County Fire Police Association and the PA State Fire Police Association. He was a 78-year member and Past Master of St. John’s Lodge No. 2 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Delaware as well as a lifetime member of New Castle United Methodist Church.
Buford is survived by his daughter Donna Cooper (Richard) and son Charles E. Cline; grandchildren Richard Cooper, Jr. (Sarah), Andrew Cooper, Charles Cline, Jr.; great-grandson Michael Cline.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing on Sunday, November 17 from 4-6 pm at the McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, as well as the following day, Monday November 18 beginning at 10 am. A Masonic Service will take place at 11 am followed by the funeral service. Interment will follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Buford’s name to New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware St., New Castle, DE 19720 or to Berwyn Fire Company, 23 Bridge Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312.
