Eddie Manford 'Jack' Buffaloe, Sr.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

— 2 Timothy 4:7  

With hearts filled with gratitude for a life well- lived and a legacy that will endure for generations, we celebrate the life of Eddie Manford Buffaloe, Sr., affectionately known to family, friends, and colleagues as “Jack”.

Born on Wednesday, June 3rd, 1931, in Gumberry, North Carolina, Eddie was the beloved son of the late Eddie Bruce Buffaloe and Geneva Brooks Buffaloe. He was the ninth of eleven children and was lovingly reared on the family's farm, where he learned the enduring values of faith, hard work, integrity, and service. He attended the family's home church, Roanoke Salem Baptist Church, where, at an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, establishing a foundation of faith that would guide every chapter of his remarkable life.

Eddie graduated from Northampton County Training School before answering the call to serve his country. On Wednesday, December 5th, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving two years of active duty before transferring to the United States Army Reserve, where he continued his military service until receiving an honorable discharge on Monday, November 10th, 1958.

Upon returning home from military service, Eddie began a new and exciting chapter in life. He soon met the love of his life, the former Ruth Langford of Potecasi, North Carolina, and the two were united in holy matrimony on Sunday, January 4th, 1959. Their marriage became a beautiful testament to love, faith, and commitment, spanning sixty-seven wonderful years.

Together, they united with Second Baptist Potecasi Church, where they faithfully remained active members throughout their lives. Eddie's love for God was evident in his unwavering service to his church family. Over the years, he faithfully served as a Trustee and sang in both the Sanctuary Choir and the Men's Choir, where his rich voice often resonated as a gifted lead soloist. Whether serving in ministry or lending a helping hand, Eddie found great joy in serving both God and His people.

During the first year of their marriage, Eddie and Ruth worked together on the Buffaloe Family Farm. Although farming proved to be a short-lived profession due to the financial realities of the time, Eddie's determination never wavered. He soon accepted employment with Georgia-Pacific Corporation in Conway, North Carolina, where another calling began to unfold.

While working there, Eddie discovered a deep passion for law enforcement. In 1965, he volunteered his evenings as a Special Deputy with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office. His commitment and dedication soon earned him a part-time position as a police officer with the Town of Rich Square Police Department, where he faithfully served for five years.

In 1975, Eddie accepted full-time employment with the Northampton County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff. Through years of faithful and exemplary service, he rose to the distinguished rank of Chief Deputy. Throughout his career, he earned the admiration of colleagues and citizens alike for his fairness, integrity, compassion, and calm demeanor. He approached every challenge with wisdom, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

In 1991, after sixteen years with the Sheriff's Office, Eddie was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of Rich Square, North Carolina. For eight years, he faithfully protected the citizens of Rich Square while leading his department with honor and distinction.

One of the defining moments of his career came in June 1996, when Chief Buffaloe was tragically shot while responding to a domestic dispute. Through God's grace, unwavering faith, and remarkable resilience, he recovered from his injuries and returned to the profession he loved, continuing to serve the citizens of Rich Square until his retirement in 1999.

Retirement, however, did not diminish his desire to serve. Instead, Eddie embarked upon yet another chapter of public service by becoming a courtroom bailiff for the District Court and Superior Court of Northampton County. From 1999 through 2016, spanning seventeen years, he faithfully maintained peace and order in the courtroom, serving under three elected Sheriffs. When he retired in 2016, Eddie concluded an extraordinary career marked by fifty-one consecutive years of law enforcement service in the State of North Carolina. On February 3rd, 2017, he was honored by Representative G. K. Butterfield during the 115th Congress of the United States House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. His biography was read on the House floor and entered into the Congressional Record , where it is preserved as a permanent part of the nation’s legislative history. On the same day, Governor Roy Cooper presented him with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine which is North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by the Governor to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the state. 

Above every title he held, Eddie cherished being a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, treasured great-grandfather, faithful church member, loyal friend, and humble servant of God. His life reflected the words of Micah 6:8: "To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." His quiet strength, steadfast faith, unwavering integrity, and servant's heart left an indelible mark on everyone privileged to know him.

Eddie leaves to cherish his precious memory his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Ruth Langford Buffaloe; three sons, Anthony K. Buffaloe of Jackson, North Carolina, Deon T. Buffaloe of Fort Washington, Maryland, and Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr. of Garner, North Carolina; two daughters-in-law, Cassandra Sykes Buffaloe and Assata Kimbrough Buffaloe; four grandsons, Bryan C. Buffaloe of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, Michael T. Buffaloe of Raleigh, North Carolina, Andre Buffaloe of Jackson, North Carolina, and Aren K. Buffaloe of Garner, North Carolina; one great-grandson, Christian Buffaloe of Gaston, North Carolina; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, fellow officers, and countless lives touched by his kindness and service.

On Monday, June 29th, 2026, having faithfully finished his earthly race, Eddie Manford Buffaloe, Sr. answered his Master's call and entered into the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Though his earthly watch has ended, his legacy of faith, courage, honor, and service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

His life was a shining example of devotion—to God, to family, to community, and to country. He will be deeply missed, forever treasured, and lovingly remembered until that glorious day when we meet again.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Buffaloe's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family. 

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. Eddie Manford 'Jack' Buffaloe, Sr.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer. 

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