George Garland Buckingham Jr., 95, passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at Warwick Forest in Newport News. He was born in Louisville, KY on March 26, 1923. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Gooch Buckingham, his brother William Jesse Buckingham, and his parents George Garland Buckingham Sr. and Marian Lindsay Buckingham.
He married Nancy in Louisville, KY on September 19, 1953. They were happily married for 58 years, during which time she led him to the Lord. George is survived by his daughter Susan Buckingham Dorner, her husband David Dorner and their children Jonathan Dorner and Christopher Dorner; his son Thomas Lindsay Buckingham, his wife Saundra Buckingham and daughter Janis Michael and her son Gavin Place; and his daughter Linda Buckingham Morrison, her husband HB (Sandy) Morrison Jr. and their son, Adam Morrison.
He enlisted in the Army Corp of Engineers in 1942, was later commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant and served in Italy until discharged in 1953. While in Italy, he was knighted twice, once by the King of Italy into the Order of the Crown of Italy, and the other time into the Order of Constantine.
After his military service, he started working for Virginia Engineering Company in Louisville, KY, where he helped build many large buildings and facilities. After working in Louisville, he went onto other major construction jobs throughout the eastern part of the U.S., from New York to Florida and even west of the Mississippi River. Virginia Engineering Company later changed names to Basic Construction Company and George was eventually transferred to the company headquarters in Newport News, VA, where he finished his career as Vice President of Contract Administration.
George was also an active leader of Boy Scouts of America. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, a council level award for distinguished service of Boy Scouts of America. Hunting, fishing, and woodworking were among his favorite hobbies.
George was an active member of Liberty Baptist Church, participated in their Senior Adult Choir, and led a group of volunteers called Liberty Builders who helped with various church projects, maintenance of property, etc.
The family will receive friends from 9:45 to 10:45 am Monday, November 19, 2018 at Liberty Baptist Church, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton. A celebration of George’s life will be held at Liberty at 11:00 am after the visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, 1021 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, VA 23666.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, Virginia 23666.
