Obituary of Buford Gross

Buford Irvin Gross, age 90, of Bedford, died Wednesday, January 15, 2013, at the Bedford County Nursing Home, surrounded by his family, following a long and valiant battle with Parkinson's disease. Born on Saturday, March 4, 1922, in Bedford County, he was the son of the late Irvin Charlie Gross and Fannie Mary Vaughn Gross. Buford was the eighth born of nine children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Ollie G. Toms, Lola G. Toms, Florine G. Wood, Helen G. Croft and Shirley Gross, and brothers, John and Royal Gross. Buford's first place of employment was at Hampton Looms, but from the age of 30 he was in construction, working for George M. Overstreet Construction, Miracle Modular, and H. Steven Arrington Construction. He was a master craftsman, his first construction project being that of his own home on Wheatland Road in 1951. Following his retirement in 1984, the Grosses enjoyed traveling throughout the country. Buford found great enjoyment in hunting wild game and ginseng, fishing, gardening and riding his John Deere lawn tractor, but most importantly, he loved and cherished his family. Buford was a member of Bonsack Baptist Church and the Bedford County Hunt Club. He was a God-fearing gentleman, a man of faith and a man of his word, well respected by his family, friends and all who had the good fortune of knowing him. Buford leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 67-years, Regina Cheek Gross, who faithfully and tirelessly cared for him throughout his 9-year battle with Parkinson's; two daughters and sons-in-law, Ginger Krantz and husband, Andy, and Gail Gardner and husband, Ricky, all of Bedford. Also surviving are his grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Nathan Krantz and wife, Zoe of Ashburn, Christopher Gardner and wife, Jennifer of Goode, and Jeremy Gardner and wife, Stacey of Bedford, as well as his precious great-grandchildren, Ryan and Abigail Krantz, and Noah, Bo and Landon Gardner. Buford's youngest sibling, Rev. Floyd Gross, also survives, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank the personnel of the Bedford County Nursing Home and especially those staff members of the Courtyard wing. Their tender and loving care, not only for Buford but for his entire family, made these last few months more bearable. Sincere appreciation to the Bedford Hospice team for their support and guidance during Buford's last days, and for their encouragement as the family sought to honor Buford's final wishes. Their services were invaluable. Memorial contributions may be made in Buford's memory to Bedford Hospice, 1621 Whitfield Drive, Bedford, VA 24523, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, January 18, 2013 at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford, and other times at the Gross residence. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2013 at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford, with Dr. Robert G. Moore, III and the Rev. Mark W. Beck officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Bedford. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.