Tommy Buford, who spent 32 years as University of Memphis tennis coach and was a 2005 inductee into the school's M Club, died Sunday at his home outside Boise, Idaho. Buford was 83 years old.
Known for his Southern charm and hospitality, Buford was born in Nashville and came to Memphis to attend Rhodes College and play on the baseball team. But the school's tennis coach recognized Buford's skills for another sport watching him hit tennis balls against a wall and a career path was chosen.
After spending three years in Jackson, Miss., after college, Buford accepted the U of M's offer to become its tennis coach.