Norman Michael "Mike" Bufkin, 79, of Richton, Mississippi left his earthly home on February 20, 2026, with his wife of 58 years, Dorthea Nell, by his side. Mike was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.

Mike was born on January 24, 1947, in the small community of Neely, Mississippi. He began life as the eldest of six children, a role that quietly shaped the man he would become - steady, responsible, and devoted to family. From an early age, Mike learned the value of hard work, independence, and showing up for the people who mattered most.

His life was defined by movement, curiosity, and grit. Over the years, he built a career that reflected both his strong work ethic and his willingness to take on new challenges. He spent much of his working life as a commercial truck driver, traveling countless miles and supporting his family through long days on the road. But one job never defined him. He was also a skilled welder, a business owner in offshore maintenance, a part‑time cattle rancher, and a contributor to major efforts including Goldmine construction in Battle Mountain, Nevada, and FEMA recovery work following Hurricane Katrina. Each chapter reflected his adaptability, resilience, and refusal to sit still. He also served his country with quiet pride, spending eleven years in the Army National Guard.

One of the most defining moments of Mike's life came on a cool October day in 1967, when he took a drive in his 1957 Chevrolet to the McLeod family home. He was there to meet a young woman he had been hearing about, and that day he met the love of his life, Dorthea Nell Bufkin. Their connection was immediate, they began dating, were engaged just a few months later, and were married on March 15, 1968, beginning a marriage that would span almost 58 years and serve as the foundation of Mike's life.

Together, Mike and Nell built a life centered on family and adventure. They raised two sons, Andy Bufkin (Lainee) and Justin Bufkin (Amber), a role he took immense pride in. In later years, that pride grew to include his role as grandfather and great‑grandfather, titles he wore with tremendous joy. His five grandchildren Blake Bufkin, Adriannah Murphy, Lilianna Bufkin, Lucas Bufkin, and Jett Bufkin; and four great‑grandchildren Kaleb, Hope, Colt, and Eloise; all were among his greatest blessings.

Mike was a beloved sibling to three brothers, Keith Bufkin (Mary), William "Bill" Bufkin (Pam), Charlie Bufkin (Lexi), and two sisters Ellin Byrd (Sharbor) and Karen Roberts (Kenneth), and a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.

In 2018, Mike retired from truck driving, choosing to slow down and spend more time with the people he loved most. Retirement did not mean restlessness faded, it simply meant his time was finally his own, shared with family, stories, and the simple joys of being home.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, H. W. and Charles Rush Bufkin and his grandson, Jett Bufkin. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, hard work, and quiet strength, a life well lived and deeply felt by all who knew him.