Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington, 83, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence “Flo” Buffington; his sister, Barbara Jasper of Olympia, Washington; his son, Tim Buffington (Debbie); and his three grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer and Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Cloyd “Bud” Buffington.
Buzz was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, guiding and working in wildlife conservation. He earned a master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, where he also met his wife, Flo. He later received a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and moved to Norris, Tennessee, where they raised their son, Tim.
He spent his professional career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, retiring as vice president of land management after working his final years at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. He and Flo eventually settled back in Clinton, Tennessee.
In retirement, Buzz devoted himself to community service. He volunteered his organizational skills to the local fire department, the Arts and Crafts Guild, and the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. His true passion was the outdoors — especially fly-tying and fly-fishing. He had a deep love for nature and conservation, and was happiest with a fly rod in hand, wading through the Clinch River or Norton Creek and teaching others,young and old, the art of casting or tying flies.
Buzz was a charter member of the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, where he served as a board member emeritus. He played a key role in establishing the John Thurman Trout Camp and volunteered with Operation Healing Waters and the Wounded Warrior Project, organizing outdoor activities for those facing adversity. He also participated in countless river cleanups, kids’ fishing days, and fly-tying lessons, especially for his niece Allie and his grandchildren, who were likely the only kids at school who were enthusiastic creators of “woolly booger” flies.
Known for his patience, humor, and wisdom, both in fishing and in life, Buzz taught those around him the value of perseverance, a love for nature, and the joy found in simple moments.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and active community member who always had a smile and a stick of gum to share with a friend.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Norris Community Center. Friends and family are invited to this casual gathering to share memories and honor his life.
