Harley Buford Carter, 84, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away on December 28, 2023. Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held at the Nebraska Veteran’s Cemetery in Alliance, NE at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Harrisburg, Nebraska (Banner County) Volunteer Fire Department in memory of Buford Carter.
Online condolences may be made by viewing Buford’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
He was born on March 28, 1939, in Littlefield, Texas to Clark and Corda Carter. Buford was a hardworking man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He believed in giving people a chance as long as they were willing to try. Buford graduated from Friona High School in Friona, Texas, in 1957. While in high school he was active in sports and FFA. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1960. A majority of his service time was spent in Germany. While stationed in Germany, he was a member of his unit's football team. After his military service, Buford embarked on a successful farming career. He farmed in Vega, Texas, from 1960 to 1967 before moving to the Sublette/Kismet, Kansas area, where he farmed until 1975. Buford and his wife then purchased a ranch and farm in Banner County, Nebraska, where they farmed and raised cattle until their retirement in 2002. Buford was recognized as a top producer for Holly Sugar during his farming career.
In 2002, Buford and Mary moved to Gering, Nebraska, where they enjoyed a semi-retired life. Buford continued his involvement in the beef industry. He also worked part time for Panhandle Coop. He took great pleasure in supporting his grandchildren's activities and was an avid supporter of 4-H and the Kimball/Banner County Fair. In August 2014, Buford and Mary moved into the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff, where they participated in many activities and formed cherished friendships. Buford was grateful for the care and companionship they received during their time there.
Buford worshipped at the Veteran's Home Chapel. He had a passion for agriculture and was not afraid to try something new. He had a love for sports and was an avid fan of Husker Football, the Dallas Cowboys, the Denver Broncos, and the Utah Jazz.
Buford is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Gruhlkey Carter, and their three sons: Kurt (Kim) Carter of North Platte, NE, Keith (Katie) Carter of Alliance, NE, and Bart (Jean) Carter of Bentonia, MS. He was a proud grandfather to Meaghan Wade, Justin (Ashley) Carter, Ty (Abby) Carter, Krista Carter, Dani Carter, Abigail Carter, and Trey Carter. Buford also had eight great-grandchildren: Hudson, Austin, Camden, Millie, Kenzie, Amelia, Banks, and Payton. He is also survived by his brother, "Pete" Roy Dale (Linda) Carter, brother-in-law Herman Janzen, sister-in law Carolyn (Jordan) Mills, sister-in-law Billie Neal, brother-in-law Dale (Carol) Gruhlkey, brother-in-law Neal Bennett, and numerous nieces, nephews, and a long-time family friend, Anselmo (Connie) Resendiz.
Buford was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Corda Carter, his brother Kenneth, his sisters, Joy Hughes (and her husband, Jim), and Judy Janzen; in-laws Roger and Cosetta Gruhlkey, brother-in-law Charles Neal, brother-in-law Roger Gruhlkey, (and his wife Janice Gruhlkey), sister-in-law Gale Bennett, nephew, Jimmy Carter, and great nephew, Andersen Gruhlkey.