Virgil Buffington, 78, of Silver City, N. Mex., died at his home on Wednesday, March 10, 2004, after an extended illness.

Mr. Buffington was born Sept. 7, 1925, in Success, Ark., the son of Benjamin Floyd and Maud Jane Daniels Buffington. He grew up in the community of Palatka, Ark.

He married Ann Hill of Piggott on June 12, 1949. They were married in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edd Hill, the parents of the bride, by Bro. Sam Pillow.

Mr. Buffington served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked in the construction industry for many years. He moved his family to Lovington, N. Mex., in 1954 where he continued to work in the construction industry until he moved to Silver City in 1967.

He worked for Silver Vista Corporation as a general contractor, building homes in Linda Vista subdivision. He went to work for Phelps Dodge Copper Mine in Tyrone in 1968 and worked there until his retirement in 1993.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Silver City since 1968. He professed faith in Jesus as his Savior at age 23. He had a deep and abiding faith that was with him until he went home to be with the Lord. He was a loving husband and father and will be missed so very much by family, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and one sister.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ann; two sons, Kelly Buffington and Keith Buffington of Silver City; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Erma Galeener.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gila Regional Hospice, 1313 East 32nd Street, Silver City, N. Mex. 88061.

Cremation took place under the direction of Bright Funeral Home in Silver City. Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 13, at First Baptist Church in Silver City with Rev. Robert Brasier and Mr. Bill Rodden officiating. Burial followed in Ft. Bayard National Cemetery.

Bright Funeral Home of Silver City, N. Mex., was in charge of the arrangements.