William “Bill” Edward Buffington, age 77, of Hoschton, Georgia, died Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. Bill was born on January 15, 1939 to the Emmett Howard and Martha Ruth (Tankersley) Buffington. A Renaissance man of many talents, Bill was a lifelong tinkerer, dedicated craftsman, Appalachian musician, accomplished painter, nature lover, and had a warm laugh that matched the brilliance of his wit. The go-to guy for questions about computers and mechanical rigging, Bill was often “behind the scenes” at family events with a video recorder or camera in hand. A consummate woodworker, Bill built beautiful heirlooms for his family. He also built and played the mountain dulcimer and was a founding member of the North Georgia Foothills Dulcimer Association. Bill was a history buff and crafted muzzle loading rifles and powder horns and used them to hunt. His appreciation for nature was expressed in the many beautiful oil paintings of landscapes he painted and his countless family camping trips with his children when they were growing up. Bill’s life was filled with thinking, inventing, and creating and as a result the lives of his family and friends are all the richer. To view photos, visit http://oldibmce.blogspot.com/?m=1. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Nancy Stallings Buffington; daughters Debra Buffington Addison and husband Anthony, Janet Buffington Rollins and husband Chris, Diane Buffington Beckner and husband Ken; son Wade Buffington and wife Alicia; brother Robert Buffington and wife Gloria; sister Carol Nation and husband David; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his dog Rusty and a host of other relatives. He is preceded in death by his daughter Donna Lynn Buffington and son William “Billy” Edward Buffington, Jr. A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 2030 Memorial Park Dr, Gainesville, GA, 30504. Rev. David Simpson will be officiating. The family will receive friends 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel . In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Northeast Georgia, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Gainesville, GA, 30501. Funeral arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA, 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.