[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA'S BLUFORD WARD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2013

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
life of Mr. Bluford Ward, who passed away on July 25, 2013. During his 
life, Bluford made it his mission to engage with his neighbors, 
reaching out to hear their concerns and assist them in any way he 
could. The loss of this great man is felt across the entire Northwest 
Florida community.
  Bluford was born on August 18, 1939 and was raised in the small and 
historic Coon Hill community of Santa Rosa County, Florida. He attended 
Allentown High School where he met and married his beloved companion of 
fifty-four years, Betty Crutchfield.
  In his lifetime, Bluford was a trusted and valuable employee for many 
local companies. In his earlier years, he worked for American Cyanamid. 
He also worked as a car salesman for several dealerships in both 
Florida and Alabama. It was a position that suited him well, providing 
him an opportunity to talk with his ``neighbors'' about the concerns of 
the day, as well as helping them find the best deal possible. An avid 
hunter, Bluford served as a hunting guide in Colorado and Wyoming. He 
built a reputation on working and tooling hunting rifles and scopes and 
worked at a variety of sporting stores, including Mike's Outdoor 
Sports, Scott's Outdoor Sports, and most recently Owen's Outfitters. 
Outside of the workplace, Bluford loved tinkering around the house and 
maintaining a vegetable garden.
  Bluford will always be remembered as a good neighbor, outdoorsman, 
and one of Central High School Jaguars biggest fans But above all, he 
was a dedicated family man and a devoted Christian. Bluford is survived 
by the love of his life, Betty; their three daughters: Sherry (Reed) 
Compton of Auburn, Alabama; Jennifer (Lee) Langham of Jay, Florida; and 
Terry (Bart) Bray of Jay, Florida; four granddaughters: Chloe Compton, 
Arissa Bray, Paige Bray and Kolby Bray; five sisters, and one brother, 
numerous nieces, nephews, and man's best friend, Hope.
  Family, friends, and neighbors mourn the loss of a man with a genuine 
smile, loving heart, and unwavering compassion.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to honor the life of Bluford Ward. My wife Vicki and I offer our 
prayers and sincerest condolences to his wife, Betty, his family, and 
friends. He will be truly missed.

                          ____________________