Albert “Bucky” Williford, 66, of Sour Lake died Monday, March 07, 2011, at his residence. He was born September 25, 1944, in Mojave, California to Albert Boyce “Buster” and Mabel “Bessie” (Teddlie) Williford. He lived most of his life in Sour Lake and was a member of First Baptist Church of Grayburg.
He served in the United States Army and in Vietnam 1966-1967. Bucky enjoyed hunting and spent many nights “in the woods” with family and close friend Tommy Mills. He especially anticipated “opening morning.” He liked to fish and take family out on the pontoon boat. Many a tale has been told about these adventures. He enjoyed playing dominoes with Mickey and Cruse Wimberly. He had a special relationship with these two men—one a brother-in-law and one a close friend. Some “hot and loudly contested domino games” took place which kept everyone around them laughing. His other passion was Nascar and the Earnhardt’s—Sr. and Jr. He was not to be disturbed during a race. He was able to attend many big races across the United States.
Bucky was known for his chicken and dumplings and his chili. Cooking for others made him happy, especially hosting a “fish fry” or a big crawfish boil. He was also known as “Crash Williford” or the man of at least thirteen lives. He survived so many weird accidents that it became a joke to his family and friends.
Bucky had the opportunity to live and or travel to all fifty states. He also worked in Indonesia, Iran, and the North Sea. Most recently, he worked for three years in Dubai, U.A.E. for SNC Lavalin. He was greatly admired and respected in his field as noted by the outpouring of calls from around the world. During his fifty years in the construction business, he made many lifelong friends, especially Jerry Clark, Walt Smith, and Mike Skrobis.
His greatest pride and joy was his son Sean, his “daughter” NaNa and his two grandsons, Dalton and Davin. His sister Emily and brother-in-law Doug McShan were like his second parents. He lived with them at an early age and they influenced his life greatly.
Survivors include his wife, Sheila Attaway Williford of Sour Lake; son, Sean Williford and his wife Renee (NaNa) of Sour Lake, grandsons, Dalton and Davin Williford of Sour Lake; sister, Emily McShan and her husband Doug of Sour Lake; brother, David Williford of Sour Lake; brother-in-law, Mickey Attaway and his wife Barbara of Cleveland; sisters-in-law, Teresa Dumphy of Sour Lake and Judy Attaway of Houston; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and special friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joyce Wilson and Iva Lee Broadwater; and in-laws, Kotton and Imogene Attaway.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Sour Lake, 765 6th Street, Sour Lake with Reverend Ken Ellzey officiating. Burial will follow at Rosedale Cemetery in Sour Lake under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, March 8, 2011, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bucky’s memory to First Baptist Church of Sour Lake, P.O. Box 537, Sour Lake, Texas 77659, Victory Junction (a Nascar foundation and camp for children), 4500 Adams Way, Randleman, NC 27317, or ATTN: Web Gift, Austim Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
