Gregory Lynn Buckley

Gregory Lynn Buckley was the 13th child born to the union of Ollie and Osie Lee Richardson Buckley on January 24, 1965. He grew up in a close knit family surrounded by the love of his sisters and brothers. “Greg” as he was fondly called was an active and outgoing kid. He enjoyed sports and made friends easily. Growing up he stayed on the “Hill” playing basketball. Family, as well as, friends were drawn to his outgoing personality.  During his early childhood Greg accepted Christ and was baptized at Tate Temple C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Elder O. N. Dennis. He was a 1983 graduate of Arkadelphia High School and was one of the star players for the football team. “Buck” as he was known in school maximized his size, speed and force becoming one of AHS most talented linebackers. Greg married Valerie Brownlee on July 19, 1997 and to this union a son was born, Gregory L. Buckley, Jr. God entrusted Greg with the greatest task of all; to nurture, raise, and love Nicholas Hill whom he cherished as his son. He lived life to the fullest, and there was never a dull moment when he was around. He was a wonderful father, brother, uncle and friend. Those who were fortunate to know him will miss his smile; his love, but will never forget his mild spirit and tender heart. He moved back to Arkadelphia and was a former employee of Georgia Pacific in Gurdon, Arkansas. He quickly re-established old friendships and would often share memories of “back in the day”. He was trained by his brother Tim and helped with Buckley BBQ. He was not a man of many words, but of few words and of many virtues. He was a good man and loved cracking jokes. He kept someone always laughing. Though his stay seemed so brief, his memories will last a lifetime. Gregory was preceded into transition by his parents: Ollie (1999) and Osie Lee Buckley (2000); grandparents: Lee Roy and Irena Richardson and Eli and Rosie Buckley; a brother Bobby Ray “Byrd” Buckley (2010); a niece, Demetrice Dixon (2014); a nephew, Jeremy J. Buckley (2014), as well as, aunts and uncles. Because love is far greater than death, he departs this earth in body only. He leaves lasting impressions in the hearts and minds of his wife, Valerie Buckley of Rockford, IL; sons, Gregory L. Buckley, Jr., of Rockford, IL and Nicholas Hill of Rockford, IL; his siblings, Alfred Scott, Ollie Leon Buckley (Mable), Clarance Buckley, Freddie Buckley (Marilyn), Belinda Bailey (Earl), Timothy Buckley (Joanne), Carl Buckley (Marsha), Alvin Buckley, Roy Buckley (Donna), Tressie Utsey (Jeff) all of Arkadelphia, AR; Charles Buckley (Margret) of Hot Springs, AR, Beverly Johnson (Preston) of Little Rock, AR; Cynthia Haynes of Arkadelphia, AR; Juan Scott of Hope, AR, and Mary Salvage (Chris) of Virginia Beach, VI; one aunt, Alberta Jefferson of Lansing, MI; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends. Most of all, they will remember his big smile and hearty laugh. On Tuesday, June 14, 2016 Greg died peacefully in his sleep. Public visitation will be Friday, June 24, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., is the pastor. Superintendent Robert Davis, the pastor of Holy Deliverance C.O.G.I.C, Warren, Arkansas will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be in Shady Grove Cemetery, Arkadelphia.