Mr. Harold E. Buffington, age 85, of Woodstock, formerly of Adairsville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 17, 2026, with his loving family at his side.

Harold was born in Rome, Georgia on November 9, 1940, son of the late Ethel Smith Buffington and Ennis Levi Buffington. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Polly Jackson and brothers, Winfred, Tom and J. Doyle Buffington.

Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of 61 years, Martha Buffington; daughter, Gina Surratt and husband Kyle; granddaughters, Jordan Surratt and Reese Surratt; sisters, Faye Dunlap and Karen Farrell and husband Jim; sister-in-law, Minnie Buffington; brother-in-law, Eddie McAfee and wife Joy and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Harold was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a faithful Christian and a longtime member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, where his faith and service were an important part of his life. Harold faithfully served with the Royal Ambassadors Baptist Missions for Youth for 30 years, dedicating his time and heart to guiding and encouraging young people. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Vietnam Era. Harold retired from AT&T after 37 years of dedicated service.

Harold was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching just about any sport, but he was especially devoted to his Atlanta Braves, Falcons, and Hawks. He rarely missed a game and loved critiquing the referees—something anyone who ever watched a game with him could certainly attest to.

He passed his love of sports on to his daughter, Gina, and some of his greatest joys came from watching his granddaughters, Jordan and Reese, participate in soccer, swimming, and basketball. He was their biggest cheerleader, always proudly cheering them on from the sidelines.

There was never a more proud grandfather. Harold embraced being Grandpa wholeheartedly, and the love and joy he found in his granddaughters was evident to everyone around him. Being their Grandpa was one of the roles he cherished most, and the memories he created with them will be treasured forever.

Some of Harold’s favorite memories were the yearly trips to Daytona Beach, where the family stayed at their timeshare for nearly forty years. Over the years, they made many friends who became like family. Grandpa would begin the countdown to Daytona about ten weeks before their trip and call every week to remind the girls how many days were left until they would be back in their favorite place.

In 2012, Harold planned a special trip to Hawaii. He was so excited to show Jordan and Reese the beauty of the islands and share the experience with them. Unfortunately, he developed shingles right before the trip, but he refused to let that keep him from going or interfere with the plans he had worked so hard to make. True to his nature, he never let it slow him down. He even climbed Diamond Head, creating another unforgettable memory with his granddaughters.

The last few years were difficult for Harold after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the challenges and hardships he faced, he remained strong and fought until the very end. Through it all, he continued to smile and rarely complained. His strength, perseverance, and positive spirit were an inspiration to those around him. Harold will be deeply missed by everyone who loved him, but the memories he created, the love he gave, and the impact he had on his family will live on in their hearts forever.

Martha and Gina would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Julie Edwards and Denise Newton for the loving care they provided to Harold over the last few years. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication meant so much to Harold and his family.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Adairsville, with Reverends Kenny Rogers and Michael Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Georgia National Cemetery, Canton with military honors. Pallbearers include Thorton Adams, Danny Higgins, Mike Goforth, Randall Forsyth, Justin Everett and Chess Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Senior Sunday School Class.

The family will receive friends, Wednesday, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville.

Sign the guestbook and leave online condolences at www.BartonFuneralHome.net. R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Mr. Harold E. Buffington.