William V. Buck

William Victor Buck, better known as Buck, was born on November 19, 1935, in Charleston South Carolina.

The world lost a rare kind of shine on December 4th, 2025, with the passing of a man who carried himself with quiet confidence, impeccable style, and that unmistakable Southern grace. He was the kind of man strangers assumed was a doctor, a senator, or someone famous passing through—yet he spoke softly, stayed humble, and never needed attention to command a room.

He married the love of his life, JoAnn Wood Buck, in 1952. Their story was full of adventure, devotion, and laughter. He didn’t start out knowing how to dance, but when JoAnn spotted another man twirling a woman across the floor and announced she wanted her husband to dance her like that, he simply learned. And not halfway—he became a smooth-as-butter shagger and a proud member of the Islander Shag Club. They danced their way through life together until Joann passed in 2012.

He lovingly cared for JoAnn at the end of her life, surrounded by family in the den of their Hanahan home—the very same room where, years later, he would take his own peaceful journey home, again surrounded by those who loved him most. He often said he was “the last one left,” which means heaven got the biggest welcome-home party imaginable.

He raised four children with a gentle voice and steady hands: three daughters and one son. Cindy Fisher and Sherry Armstrong went on ahead. His daughter Tammy Iski and his son Victor Buck remain here carrying his legacy. His seven grandchildren—Zak Buck, Mikey, Dustin, Justin (the twins) Chad, Joey, and Tamaney (Jo Jo) —were the pride of his life. He had numerous great grandchildren.

He adored his sisters, Margie and Deloris (better known as Dee). They weren’t just his siblings—they were his best friends. And in true sibling fashion, the two of them spent a lifetime “fighting” over who the favorite was, each absolutely convinced it was her. His brother-in-law Steve rounded out their tight-knit trio, sharing laughs, loyalty, and a bond that never wavered.

He worked an incredible 45 dedicated years at Mead Westvaco, earning respect for his work ethic and character. After retiring, he spent 14 wonderful years at Shadowmoss Golf Course, working side-by-side with his grandson Zak. Those years were pure joy for him.

Grandpa Buck was also a proud lifelong member of the Elks Lodge, where he found brotherhood, purpose, and good company.

At 88, he became an ordained minister—proof it’s never too late for a new calling—and had the honor of marrying his grandson Zak to Leslie Gonzales-Buck, a moment that brought him immense pride.

He lived in the same Hanahan home for 70 years—independent, classy, and sharp as ever. His shed was his sanctuary. If it could be built, fixed, crafted, or imagined from wood, he could do it. He ran for fun, kept everything spotless, sipped his morning coffee with easy style, and always wore the coolest shades in the room.

He was patient as a saint, rich in morals and ethics, slow to speak, and impossible not to admire. As a devoted member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, he lived his faith quietly and sincerely. And truly—if Grandpa Buck doesn’t go to heaven, then the rest of us don’t stand a chance.

His legacy is one of dignity, gentleness, craftsmanship, faith, and love. The world is better because he walked through it—and a little quieter now that he’s gone.

He was one of a kind. He loved Jesus and in his final moments, surrounded by the people who had loved him for a lifetime, Grandpa’s last words were simple and perfect: “I love you too.” A final blessing from a man who spent his life giving that same steady, unconditional love to everyone around him.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Relatives and friends of Buck are invited to attend his Funeral Service at 12 noon, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the graveside, Carolina Memorial Gardens, 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC 29406. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1113 Yeamans Hall Rd, Hanahan.