Born on October 25, 1911, in Jesup, Ga., Dr. Pafford was the son of Bascom Anthony Pafford and Jeanette Dukes Pafford. A graduate of Savannah High School, he received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Emory University, and his doctorate from Duke University. Dr. Pafford was married to Sarah Jones Pafford and had two daughters, Martha and Connie.

Dr. Pafford began his teaching career at Moultrie High School, and later served as instructor in English at Clemson College, assistant professor of English at Emory Junior College in Valdosta, Ga., and professor of English at Emory University. From 1953 until 1958, he was chairman of the English department at Emory, where he later became director of graduate studies in English. In 1966, he was named dean of the college at Valdosta State, where he later served as vice president and dean of faculties. In 1971, Dr. Pafford became the fourth president of West Georgia College, succeeding James Boyd, who had become a vice chancellor of the university system. A literary scholar, Dr. Pafford helped to restore a deteriorating relationship between the college and the local community and inaugurated a faculty senate. Following his retirement from the presidency, he returned to Valdosta State College to serve as a professor of English until his final retirement several years later.

Dr. Pafford was a member of Sigma Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Kappa. He was the author of many scholarly articles, as well as numerous newspaper articles and published poems. His areas of study and research concentrated on 19th century English literature and romantic poetry.

During his academic career, he was associate editor of the South Atlantic Bulletin, a managing chairman of the editorial board of the Emory University Quarterly, and a member of the South Atlantic Modern Language Association. He was a voracious reader, and an avid fan of baseball and golf - a sport he worked diligently to conquer over the years.

The Pafford Building, which houses the College of Social Sciences, was named for him. A permanent exhibit dedicated to Dr. Pafford can be viewed on the third floor.