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<em>GEORGE BUFORD NORMAN</em> was born 4 December 1918 in Memphis, Tennessee, at the old Presbyterian Hospital, owned and operated by his grandfather, Dr. George Gillespie Buford. He grew up in Hardy, Arkansas, and graduated from Hedrix College in Conway, Arkansas, before entering West Point in July 1940. Undeterred after losing to the Academic Department, he joined the Class of 1944 the following year. This characteristic determination served him well throughout his life. Following an older brother to the Academy, he acquired a love of country and a certain idealism that left their mark on associates throughout his life.</p>
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Buford quickly became one of the best-liked members of the class. He was obviously a man of good will, whose unfailing ability to find humor even in stressful situations brightened the life of many a cadet. It was a real plus to have him in our midst during those formative years, for he didn’t take himself too seriously. Often he would make himself the butt of jokes; his ebullience was contagious. We were better for having had him in our ranks; his qualities, unquestionably, favorably influenced us.</p>
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Shortly after graduation, Buford married Patsy Franklin, his lifelong love. They parted after a few months when he went overseas as a platoon leader in the 263rd Infantry, 66th Infantry Division. He entered combat when his organization had the mission of containing German divisions bypassed in the breakout from Normandy Even in the smaller actions, fighting was intense, and infantry lieutenants were, as always, vulnerable. While leading a patrol, Buford was severely wounded in the leg and captured. The Germans amputated his leg, but the battlefield procedure was unsuccessful. After being liberated, he was often hospitalized to repair a break in the remaining part of the amputated leg as well as a break in the other incurred while learning to use a prosthesis. The POW time, followed by hospitalization, weakened him; his health declined. None of this embittered him or dampened his optimism and desire to return to normalcy and start a new life. He retired on 31 July 1947, as a captain, with full medical disability.</p>
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Buford quickly entered mainstream civilian life. As his health improved, he and Patsy settled in Memphis, where he was employed by the Marx and Bensdorf Real Estate and Investment Company, general agents for the Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut. Buford served for 20 years as the manager of the Life, Accident and Group Division. Later, he became a developer of multi-family housing and establisher of low-income housing partnerships throughout the southwestern United States for another 20 years. His entrepreneurial spirit surfaced as he planned and executed complicated business deals. He brought out the best in young employees,and started many on a successful life.</p>
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The ability to favorably influence others carried over from West Point to his civilian pursuits. For many years he worked with the Admissions Office and the Athletic Department of the Academy, recruiting and counseling in the Memphis area.</p>
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Despite his handicap, Buford maintained his love of sports and retained a youthful enthusiasm for an elusive touchdown run, a graceful hook shot, or a well-executed double play. He enjoyed golf outings with the boys or with Patsy. They had family bets and often would tease about slices and choking on putts. In addition, he and Patsy had a host of friends in Memphis and a busy social life. They were always welcome guests and gracious hosts.</p>
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At West Point we marched to chapel on Sundays and heard many sermons on God and country. We know that Buford gave for his country, but many of us don’t know how faithfully he served his God. He worked in Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Memphis for 49 years as a junior deacon, a deacon, an elder, advisor to the youth fellowship, chairman of two building committees, chairman of the Administrative Committee and the Christian Education Committee and church school teacher. He was a moderator of Memphis Presbytery and twice served as commissioner to the General Assembly. He also was active in education, was a past president of the Red and Black Society of Rhodes College, and was a member of the President’s Council at Rhodes.</p>
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Buford remained involved with West Point and his classmates, and served as class scribe for many years. Always close to his family, he was much comforted by them when suffering with cancer during the last months of his life. He leaves his beloved wife of 51 years, Patricia Franklin Norman; a son, Dr. George Buford Nonnan, Jr., of Columbia, South Carolina; a grandson; and a sister, Louise Nonnan Burrow, of Hot Springs, Arkansas.</p>
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In sum, here was a man who gave of himself and kept on giving. His active military career was short, but it was long on service and dedication.</p>
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The study of his life—overcoming odds and successfully parrying adversity’s sword—is a shining example to all. We who knew him and celebrate his life feel that he would want no sad song but rather Tennyson’s most appropriate example:</p>
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<em>Sunset and evening star,</em></p>
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<em>And one clear call for me!</em></p>
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<em>And may there be no moaning of the bar,</em></p>
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<em>When I put out to sea.</em></p>
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<em>His roommate and family</em></p>