Norman Howard Buckner, 78, of Cleveland, TN, passed away Friday, January 9, 2015 in a Chattanooga hospital.
He was a member of East Side church of Christ. He was a graduate of Bradley Central High School, class of 1956, and worked at Bowater for 45 years before retiring. Norman was a devoted and loving husband, father and popaw. His love for his family was immeasurable. He loved spending time with family taking trips to the beach, Disney World and the mountains. He never missed his grandchildren’s sports and school activities. His family was truly his pride and joy. He also loved traveling with his wife on Bridgemaker bus trips and was an avid gardener. Norman truly loved being around his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard O. Buckner and Callie Mae Hightower Buckner; and brothers, Carl (Doe) Buckner and Melvin Bruce Buckner.
Survivors include his wife of almost 58 years, Martha Riden Buckner of Cleveland; one daughter, Kathy Ann Buckner Bandy (Mark) of Cleveland; one son, Keith Buckner (Jennifer) of Ooltewah; four grandchildren, Drew and Olivia Bandy and Caleb and Laura Lynn Buckner; two brothers, Garrie Buckner (Ruth Ann) of Cleveland and Donnie Buckner (Debbie) of Mt. Vernon, KY; brother-in-law, Mansel Parkinson; sister-in-law, Helen Riden all of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 13, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Ministers Bill Maynard and Jeff Archey officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Mark Bandy, Drew Bandy, Keith Buckner, Leif Buckner, Chad Buckner and Jason Buckner serving as pallbearers. Caleb Buckner will serve as honorary pallbearer. The service will conclude with a white dove release ceremony.
His family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Monday, January 12, at the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, who has charge of the arrangements.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the East Side church of Christ Building Fund, PO Box 1434, Cleveland, TN 37364.