Pastoral Legacy
Pastor Buford Shaw
Honoring the faithful life and ministry of Pastor Buford Shaw, whose leadership helped shape the foundation of GoodWorks Global Ministries from 1947 to 1995.
A Faithful Servant
A Legacy of Steadfast Leadership
Pastor Buford Shaw served with conviction, humility, and a deep commitment to the Gospel. Through nearly 50 years of Christ-centered ministry, he helped establish a strong spiritual foundation rooted in prayer, biblical teaching, and compassionate outreach.
His years of service reflected a life devoted to guiding others in faith and encouraging the church to remain steadfast in its mission. His legacy continues to inspire generations connected to GoodWorks Global Ministries and beyond.
The Obituary of Pastor Buford Shaw
Birth * Life * Death
His Birth
Elder Buford Shaw began his earthly journey on March 12, 1912, in the city of Tullahoma, Tennessee. He was the eighth child born to the union of the late Tom and Mattie Shaw.
His Life
Elder Shaw spent his childhood and adult life in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Educated in the public school system where he attended Davidson Academy, Elder Shaw earned the nickname “Boots.” He was employed by Campbell’s Lumbar Company and the General Shoe Company for almost 50 years. In 1973, he retired as a Four-Star General.
On July 10, 1937, Elder Shaw was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Riva. Their lives were blessed with two children, Beverly and Wayne. In 1987, Elder and Mrs. Shaw celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with the renewing of their vows.
His Church Life
While attending a city-wide revival, Elder Shaw was saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost in 1947. Well known within the Gospel music community as a gifted singer and musician, he soon became the church musician and a gospel singer. Soon after, he accepted his call into the ministry and planted the seeds of the ministry now known as GoodWorks Global Ministries.
While conducting annual revivals throughout the South, particularly the Alabama and Tennessee regions, Elder Shaw was often asked to sing the gospel song “Travelin’ Shoes.” As a result, he was dubbed “The Travelin’ Shoes Preacher.”
On September 1, 1954, he was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ by the late Bishop J.O. Patterson. He began his Pastoral Ministry in 1955, when he was appointed pastor of the church in Tullahoma. Under his leadership, the church was named the Atlantic Temple Church of God in Christ. In 1984, Elder Shaw was appointed District Superintendent by the late Bishop Audley King. After many years of faithful service, he was granted the esteemed honor of Superintendent Emeritus in 1987. In honor of Elder Shaw’s 40th Pastoral Appreciation, Atlantic Temple was renamed Shaw Temple in 1994.
His Death
Elder Buford Shaw departed this life on Monday, September 11, 1995, at 4:00 p.m. His legacy will be celebrated, cherished, and remembered by his wife, Mrs. Riva Shaw; daughter, Mrs. Beverly Lewis (Elder George) Lewis; son, Mr. Wayne (Cynthia) Shaw Sr., his grandchildren and many relatives, members and friends.
Remembered with gratitude
Pastor Buford Shaw is remembered with deep gratitude for his kindness, generosity and wise counsel, that continue to inspire those who knew him. A caring and praying man, he leaves a lasting legacy of faithfulness, humility and spiritual leadership that continues to bless GoodWorks Global Ministries today.