Mr. John "Johnny" Q. Buffington, Jr., 82, of Thomaston, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.

Born May 24, 1943, in Juliette, GA, Mr. Buffington was one of two children born to the late John Q. Buffington, Sr. and Lena Perkins Buffington. It was in a first-grade classroom in Pike County, GA, where he met Sue Mangham and quickly declared his intention to marry her. The couple wed in 1964 and made their home in Thomaston in 1968, where they lovingly raised their daughters, Traci and Christi. They shared 58 devoted years of marriage before Sue's passing in September 2022.

A 1961 graduate of Pike County High School, Mr. Buffington continued his education at Middle Georgia College on a tennis scholarship, where he studied architecture and frequently hitchhiked back and forth to school. He began his career building cabinets before moving into home construction, later joining his father at Buffington Cabinet Company, where he became widely respected for his craftsmanship and strong work ethic. He retired and closed the business in 2020.

Affectionately known as "Whami" by family and friends, Mr. Buffington was a longtime member of Antioch United Methodist Church. He was deeply devoted to his family and found great joy in spending time with loved ones, especially during trips to the North Carolina mountains. Remembered for his gentle spirit, soft-spoken nature, and generous heart, he delighted friends and neighbors with his homemade sweet treats and BBQ ribs.

He is survived by his daughters, Traci (Butch) Harrison of Thomaston and Christi (Alan) Biddle of Peachtree City; grandchildren, Kyle (Megan) Harrison of Thomaston; Sara Grace Biddle of Greenville, SC; Quinn Biddle of Burbank, CA; and Lillian Biddle, of Peachtree City; great-granddaughter, Suzy Harrison of Thomaston; sister, Joanne (Sonny) Story of Zebulon; along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with Rev. Judson Barnes and the Rev. Arianna Eberle officiating. Burial will follow at Fincher Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 23, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Those desiring may make contributions in memory of Mr. Buffington may be made to the Upson County Humane Society, PO Box 1152, Thomaston, GA  30286, or to Antioch United Methodist Church, PO Box 1300, Thomaston, GA  30286.