Buford Earl Chambers

Buford Earl Chambers graced Houston with his presence on July 28, 1946. He was welcomed by his parents, Earl Byron Chambers and Hazel Williams Chambers. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and step-father Ernest Richelieu Johnson.

Buford’s Christian life began at Fifth Ward Church of Christ where he grew up and served until 1978. He then placed his membership with Garden Oaks Church of Christ until moving to Sugar Land and joining First Colony Church of Christ in 1989.

From his roots in Fifth Ward, his family later moved to Garden City Park. Buford commuted daily to Kashmere Garden High School with a neighbor and family friend. He graduated in the Class of 1964. He often fondly reminisced about his time at Kashmere where he participated in the renown ROTC and was the Battalion Commander, which began his journey of leadership. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Texas Southern University. His career included the Veteran’s Hospital, Texas Commission for the Blind, and over 20 years in Marketing with IBM.

In 1978, Buford became one with Vernon L. Spiller. Together they led an adventurous and blessed life. God’s blessings flourished with the addition of their son, Vincent Earl Chambers, affectionately called “Vince the Prince”!

After retiring from IBM, Buford touched many young lives through sports and mentorship programs. He was a quintessential sports enthusiast. At the epicenter of it all was Vincent! Because Vincent’s chosen sport was bowling, Buford approached Fort Bend and Lamar Consolidated ISD’s to allow him to establish and coordinate the first and only competitive Bowling Club for High Schools. He became the Texas High School Bowling Club District Coordinator. His next passion was youth basketball and over the last 20 years he coordinated Kenny Smith and Larry Micheaux basketball camps. Buford always had the courage and spirit that enabled him to unlock entrepreneurial opportunities which frequently required everyone’s participation, willing or unwilling!

Buford was a devoted family man and family was always his priority. His family was the center of his world, and his “boy” and his granddaughters were his heartbeats. In addition, he was a steadfast and dedicated son, husband, father, brother, and friend. He will always be remembered to many as Mr. “B” and Grandpa B to the girls.

Buford leaves to cherish his memories and his legacy, his adoring wife Vernon, his son Vincent and his wife Holly Stivers Chambers; granddaughters Evie Mae and Lara Elizabeth. Three brothers, Galen B. Johnson (Aja), Michael R. Johnson, and Ernest Renwick Johnson (Kimberly). His mother and father-in-love Minnie Mae and L.C. Webb. Brother-in-laws Carver W. Walker (Vivian deceased) and Basil Maurice Sebastien (Edwina). Nieces; Brea Walker Seymour, Alicia Sebastien, Anna Johnson, Jada Johnson. Nephews; Dominick Walker, Basil Sebastien II, Renwick Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Galen Trent Johnson, Jaiden Johnson. He also leaves a brother and sister from another mother, Dwain and Bené Thomas, and a multitude of cousins, relatives, and treasured friends.