Malcolm Tarver Buckner, age 88, celebrated his Homegoing to the Lord November 22, 2012, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Malcolm’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, and Jesus welcomed His son Home on this special day.
Malcolm’s life on earth was filled with the love of family, good friends, and animals. His summer garden bounty filled many tables, and his walks on his farm kept him young at heart. He always had a kind word and hearty laugh for everyone.
Malcolm attended Casey Springs Methodist Church since childhood, and in later years Holly Creek Baptist Church.
Malcolm was a proud World War II Navy veteran who served as a Fireman First Class on the USS Carmick and USS Sedonia. He served on D-Day at the Normandy Invasion, and in North Africa, the North Atlantic, and the South Pacific. He was a member of the American Legion in Chatsworth, was proud to be honored at Veterans Park, and proudly attended Veterans Day ceremonies each year, regardless of the weather.
After his military service, Malcolm worked as a brakeman on the Atchison, Santa Fe, and Topeka Railway.
Upon returning to Murray County, he became a salesman and was affectionately known as “the Watkins Man” selling product county-wide.
He retired as a machine operator from Coronet Carpets, and was a cattle and truck farmer.
Malcolm was a 51 year member of the Tilton #291 Masonic Lodge where he served as Past Master, Secretary, and Tyler. He was also a member of the Royal Arch #80, Tri-Council #36, Past Master of the St. John’s Commandry #19, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite member, and was named 2003 37th District Mason of the Year representing 67 lodges.
Malcolm was predeceased by his parents, Issac Rome Buckner and Clara Ovell Moore Buckner of Casey Springs; sister, Clara Lou Edwards of Dalton; brothers, Issac Buckner of Casey Springs, Bill Buckner and Guy Buckner of Dalton; and niece, Jane Buckner of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Malcolm’s soft voice and sparkling grey eyes will be sadly missed by his devoted daughter, Gale Buckner of Chatsworth; former spouse, Ruth Hayes of Chatsworth; “bonus-daughters” Diane Avery of Douglasville and Anita Thornton of Chatsworth; precious nieces, Shirley and Terry Sales of Chatsworth, Elaine and Fred Hall, Cathee Bryant, Frances and B.O. Dailey, Ginger and Jose Terrazas of Dalton, and Carol Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama; precious nephews, Danny and Lynne Buckner, Jackie Edwards, Julian and Sheila Edwards of Dalton; great-nephews and nieces.
Special thanks to the caregivers who became family and loved him like a parent - Pat Self, Brenda Jones, and Maggie Rogers.
Homegoing services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 25, 2012 in the Chapel of Peeples Funeral Home with the Rev. Danny Cochran officiating. Danny Buckner will provide the eulogy for his Uncle Mack. Music will be provided by lifelong friends Dovie and Billy Hayes, Linda Price, Rita Hawkins, and Susan Bagley.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Pallbearers are nephews Julian Edwards, Jose Terrazas, great nephews Brandon Hall, Silvio Barbini, Mike Winkler, Eddie Dailey, Mickey Winkler, and special friend Harrison Parker.
Masonic rites and Military honors will conclude the funeral, and burial will be at the Liberty Baptist Church cemetery in Tennga, Georgia.
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