Buford Donald Sanders, 77, of Madison, Ala. died April 11, at Huntsville Hospital.

He was a lifelong resident of Limestone County and was preceded in death by his parents: George Wyatt Sanders and Mildred Inez Abernathy Sanders of Huntsville, Alabama and his grandson: Jonathan Taft Swann of Decatur, Alabama.

Buford was retired from real estate and was a former President of the Athens Board of Realtors. He was twice elected Athens Realtor of the Year. It was during his tenure as President that the Multiple Listing Service was initiated.

He was a member of Harvest Baptist Church. During his lifetime he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, and served on many building committees, pastor search committees and music director search committees.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Henderson Sanders; daughter: Anita Sibrans and husband, Dyrc; Son: Buford Donald Sanders II and his wife, Jamie; Grandson: Wyatt Keel Sanders; Granddaughter:
Lily Grace Sanders; Sister: Margaret Sanders Robison; Aunts: Effie Mae Rainbolt of Nashville and Audie Sanderson of North Carolina; nieces, nephews and numerous cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, at Harvest Baptist Church in Harvest, Alabama. Visitation with the family will be held immediately following the service. Buford will be interred at the mausoleum at Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur at a private service.

In lieu of flowers, Buford requested donations be made to the Harvest Baptist Church Building Fund, 8999 Wall Triana Highway, Harvest, Alabama 35749. Online condolences may be made at www.madisonchapelfuneralhome.com