Donald William Buckley

Don was a good student, and an incredible athlete. During high school and college, he played both football and softball. He excelled in both sports. Don attended the University of Virginia and Bridgewater College.

During his senior year college he married Nashella Burruss. They had two children, William Carrington Buckley and Drew Harlan Buckley. Don was very active in his son’s lives. His wife pre-deceased him.

Don created Buckley Associates, a profitable company that sold office and sanitary supplies on the East Coast. His son, Cary, took over the business when he retired.

Don married Janis Paushter at her retirement party in 2003, to 150 unsuspecting guests. They lived in Centerville, Virginia before moving to Ocala, Florida to fulfill his dream of raising, and racing, racehorses. In 2018, they returned to Virginia to be closer to his sons.

Don played senior softball into his 70s and he was inducted into the Senior Softball Hall of Fame. He was an avid football fan throughout his life.

Several years ago, Don was diagnosed with dementia, But the cause of death was a major cardiac event. To the end, he was an honorable and caring man.

If you’d like to make a donation, we recommend the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program or the dog rescue of your choice.

Don’s ashes will be scattered at the Saratoga Race Track in New York State as a tribute to his life long involvement in the horse industry.