Timothy John Buckley died suddenly on October 1, 2021. He was 62, born on July 13, 1959.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Buckley; his brother, Marty and his sister, Shelia.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Deborah, his children Emily Kirchem, Erin Buckley, Erica Muller, and T. Ryan Buckley, his grandchildren, four brothers, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.
Timothy graduated from MTSU and immediately started working as an ergonomist for Liberty Mutual until he retired in May 2021. He was a gifted speaker and helped train decades of people for Liberty Mutual, in addition to his ergonomic work.
His work ethic and sense of community were a bright example to his family. At church, at community centers, or for his friends and family, his help came without strings and with compassion, fun, and all the strength and energy he had to give. He was excited to start volunteering at the Community Kitchen as a part of his retirement plan.
Tim's curiosity and inventiveness drove him to always keep learning and creating. He was always open to being delighted, surprised, or impressed by the people close to him - he was so good at being present and engaged. Tim had a wisdom that was easy to learn from; he listened with love and if he gave advice, it came from a place of humbleness and a great understanding of our humanity. Making Tim laugh, making a great meal or making a really cool invention or piece of art with him, are going to be some of the moments when we will miss him the most, but those will also be the activities that will allow us to carry on his legacy of humor, of caring for others, of learning and creating and most of all, of love.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4, from 4-7 p.m. at Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View and his funeral service will be held at St. Stephen's Catholic Church on Friday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m.
Those that wish to remember Tim in a special way may send flowers for the service or donations to the Community Kitchen (https://www.homelesschattanooga.org/donate).
Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist. 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.
Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com.