AMCM Paul Raymond Buckley USN (RET)

AMCM Paul Raymond Buckley, USN (RET), 79, of Inverness, FL, passed away on Mon., Oct. 6, 2025 at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness, FL. A native of New Bedford, MA, he was born Nov. 18, 1945 to John and Oriana (Beaulieu) Buckley, one of three children. Paul moved to Seminole, FL at the age of 16 and was an alumnus of Seminole High School’s first graduating class in 1964. Upon graduation, he then served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Navy, a career that spanned 30 years, retiring at the rank of Aviation Maintenance Master Chief Petty Officer. Paul moved from Acworth, GA to Brooksville, FL in 2005, then to Inverness, FL in 2017. Paul faithfully attended meetings at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hernando, FL. Master Chief Buckley enjoyed fishing, traveling in his fifth wheel (he had visited 48 states), and especially loved model railroading. Paul’s perfect day would be any day that there were no derailings of his model trains, the companionship of anyone who was fishing with him, and arriving safely in his fifth wheel to any destination. He was also a huge Elvis and NASCAR fan. But most of all, his family was everything to him and he wanted to spend as much time as possible with all of them. An avid animal lover, Paul cherished all of his many dogs and cats over the years. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two spouses; Barbara (Talley) Buckley and Charlotte (Hudgens) Buckley, and a brother-in-law, Steve Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 21 years, Donna J. Buckley, Inverness, FL; son Paul Buckley, Jr. (wife Melissa), Webster, FL and stepson Shawn Williams, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; stepdaughter Rena’ Mahannah, Millington, TN; his two grandchildren Julie Buckley, Webster, FL and Ruth Buckley, Spring Hill, FL (Paul had an unbreakable and special bond with Ruth); great grandchildren Emily and Amelia Powell, both of Weeki Wachee, FL; brother Glen Buckley (wife Elaine), Gainesville, FL and sister Bette Smith, Brooksville, FL. A Celebration of Life will take place on Thurs., Oct. 16, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Fero Funeral Home & Life Celebration Center, Beverly Hills, FL. Military Honors will take place on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL with the United States Navy and American Legion Post #155 rendering the honors. At the request of the family, in lieu of any flowers or memorial contributions, please pay forward an act of kindness to someone in need. Services entrusted to Fero Funeral Home & Life Celebration Center, Beverly Hills, FL.