Willie James Buckley

Willie James Buckley (Buck), 74, departed this life on October 22, 2021, with his loving wife, Claudia, by his side in Fayetteville, Georgia. Buck was born in Brunswick, Georgia on September 23, 1947.

He lost his mother, Ella Mae Buckley, at a very young age and was raised by his grandmother, Rosa Buckley. He graduated from Ridley High School and went on to attend college where he majored in Business Administration. Buck began his career as a proud servant to our country where he served for six years in the United States Army. After leaving the Army, Buck decided to pursue his passion. He absolutely loved trains and became one of the first African American Engineers for Amtrak and he was with them for 19+ years. His passion continued to burn throughout his retirement, and he stayed active as a member of the Retired Railroaders of Atlanta, Georgia. Buck was an avid fisherman who also admired his gun collection and adored Claudia and his Yorkshire Terrier (Ebony), his loyal companion. He was an active member of the Hillside International Truth Center and generously gave his time to several charities, such as the American Kidney Foundation.

Buck was preceded in death by his mother, Ella Mae Buckley; grandmother, Rosa Buckley; uncle, Mason Buckley; sister, Addie Buckley; and granddaughter, Kristen Taylor.

Buck is survived by his wife, Claudia Ann Taylor Buckley; brother, Lonnie Buckley; sister-in-law, Ann White; cousin, Carol (Roy) Williams; daughter, Shelisa Baskerville (John); sons, Boris Buckley (Sheila), Warren Buckley and Kendryl Taylor; granddaughters, Krosha Price, Kayla Roley, and Kiara Buckley; grandsons, John III (Elizabeth), Jordan, Joel, Joseph, and Joshua Baskerville and Boris (Mandel) Buckley Jr.; and great-granddaughters, Ariah and Lola Buckley and Jayne Charlotte Baskerville; great-grandsons, Kaiden and Kaleb Buckley.

A visitation will be held at Carmichaeal-Hemperley Funeral Home in Peachtree City, GA on Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 1:00pm-3:00pm. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 3:00pm with military honors. Interment will be held at a later date at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

Condolences may be sent to Claudia Ann Taylor Buckley, 120 River Forrest Drive, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Buckley family may be shared at: www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com