Christopher Richard (Rick) Buckner, 49, born May 28, 1970, lost his battle to cancer, January 15, 2020. Although his battle was short, he fought like no other. He was continuously surrounded by loved ones throughout his fight. The love and compassion shared by so many was mesmerizing.
Rick grew up in Greensboro, NC. He graduated from Ragsdale High School in 1989.
Growing up in a family filled with fire fighters and EMS, Rick always dreamed of becoming a firefighter just like his dad, grandfather and uncle. As a young child he would take his first steps in a fire department. He would push his little Tonka fire trucks and pretend we was putting out fires. As time progressed, he grew out of the Tonka trucks and set his eyes on the real ones. Although he wasn't sworn in until he was 18, at the young age of sixteen, he joined Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department as a volunteer fireman. He would spend the next twenty-five years there as a volunteer. During his time with the fire department, he would go on calls in his grandma's old station wagon or his old Jeep CJ-7 with no top or doors. Sunshine, rain or snow, he would take the call. Often times he would be hanging out with friends when he got a call. They all knew if that pager went off, they were going on the call with him. He would always tell them “You better bring a coat or blanket; it's going to be a long cold night.” You see, his Jeep with no doors or top, never stopped him from going, even though he knew he would freeze his buns off. He was dedicated. He was proud. Proud he had fulfilled his dream of being that fireman he always wanted to be. Just like his dad, his grandfather and his uncle.
While hanging out with his many friends (probably on a fire call) he met a girl. This girl would soon become his girlfriend. After dating for four years, Rick finally got the courage up to ask her to marry him. Although it wasn't a traditional proposal, he finally got up the nerve. Riding down the road, going on a fishing trip, he popped the question. Kinda like this, "So, when are we going to get married?" Even with such a big decision, he did it "Rick" style, quick and to the point. Thankfully, she said YES! They would spend the next year twenty-four years together. Their life was filled with many fishing trips, hunting trips and enjoying the many, many beach trips. Their Friday evenings would consist of dinner and Live PD. He couldn't miss Live PD. On Saturdays, they enjoyed going to estate sales and yard sales. Most importantly, the life they built was one filled with love and happiness. Wherever Rick went, Dawn would be right by his side. He wanted his baby with him where ever he was. They loved spending time together. Although she wouldn't hunt, she would go with him to hang out. Patiently waiting on him to come back with either a really good deer story or to tell her how good he slept in the tree stand. Either way, she knew he was doing something that made him happy. Although, Rick liked his sleep, he wouldn't sleep when it was time to fish. Rain or shine, he would load up his many fishing poles and tackle box, to hit whatever water hole he felt had fish. He would throw his line for hours with the hopes of catching the big one. Which he did many times. Though they weren't all big ones, it didn't matter, he was content sitting by the lake with his pole in the water. That was his time to relax and enjoy life. Enjoy the life he had built with Dawn. Fishing and loving every day.
Although, Rick didn't have a big family, he had one that was loving and caring. He enjoyed spending time with all of them. Family get togethers, holidays or just hanging out. He enjoying sharing his stories about fishing or hunting. Listening to his cousins, Greg and Kevin talk about the adventures they had while hunting or riding a trail. He loved spending time with his other cousins, Courtney, Hunter and Wyatt. Courtney and Hunter would blow him kisses and he would always catch them. Never missing the opportunity to tell them he loved them and blowing those kisses right back to them. He loved to hear their little feet pitter patter across the floor. He loved to hear them laugh. He spoke of all of them often and with so much love. His mom resided with him and Dawn for the past year. He knew she would be taken care of while there. He enjoyed her cooking and her company. He loved spending time with her and making sure she was happy.
Rick worked for NB Handy for 19 years, where he was a warehouse supervisor. He enjoyed working there but most importantly, he enjoyed his coworkers and built great friendships with most of them. Many of those friends quickly turned to family. When Rick became sick, his company stood behind him 110%. They were there when he needed anything and frequently came to visit him. For that, his family was and will continue to be thankful.
Rick was a rare gem. A sweet, caring and loving man. He loved hard and cared deeply. He didn't let many see that side of him but if you were fortunate enough to see that side, you knew you had a friend for life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; his mom, Marie Pearce of the home; grandmother, Marie Genarosa Seagle; uncles, Billy (Janice) Buckner and Gary Wayne Seagle; cousins, Greg(Sarah) Buckner, Kevin(Blair) Buckner, Gregory Allen Seagle, Jeffrey Wayne Seagle and Brandon Seagle; second cousins, Courtney and Hunter Buckner ,Wyatt Hughes, and Taylor and Hayley Scott; his only niece and nephew, Summer Onos and Cody Davis; brothers- in- law, Mark (Cindy) Davis andChris (Angie) Onos; and mother- in-law. Maria Onos. He is preceded in death by his father, Richard (Dickie) Buckner, step mom, Carolyn Buckner, grandparents, Richard and Mary Buckner, grandfather, Walter Norman Seagle, and aunt, Patty Lynn Chatman.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.
