Buford Austin Cunningham

(ROANOKE) Buford Austin Cunningham, 83, of Birmingham, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022. He was born in Roanoke on June 12, 1939, and graduated from Handley High School. He was married to Shirley on Sept. 2, 1961 in Birmingham.

Austin was President and CEO of The Barber Companies. He enjoyed a lifelong career of over 50 years before his retirement with Barber Companies, Barber Dairies and Board of Directors of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. He served on the Jefferson County Board of Equalization, was a member of the Air National Guard, President of Riverchase Country Club, a member of Shoal Creek Country Club, a Master Mason, and a Realtor. He was an avid golfer, played the harmonica and banjo, and loved to repair antique clocks.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet E. Cunningham of Roswell, Ga., her husband W. Michael Goehring and his children Natasha H. Goehring and Christopher F. Atanasoff.

He is predeceased by four brothers, Jesse Gordon Cunningham, Gene Cunningham, Wesley Cunningham and Avery Cunningham.

There will be no graveside or funeral service. We will gather for a celebration of his life on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 2-4 p.m. at Ridout’s Funeral Home, Valley Chapel in Homewood, and afterwards at Grey Bar 280, 5426 US-280, Birmingham, from 5-7 p.m.

Austin would not want to be the reason anyone dressed up on Saturday, so please join us in casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. The family would love to share in your memories of Austin. To leave an online condolence or image please visit obituaries at ridoutsvalleychapel.com