Stefone O'Shine Buckley-Davis

On July 26, 1989 Vernon Randolph Davis and Cora Devon Buckley welcomed the birth of their son, Stefone O’Shine Buckley-Davis. From the beginning the entire family knew he was God’s special gift to this world.

He attended Peake Elementary, L.M. Goza Jr High and Arkadelphia High School. Excited about moving to the Midwest with his dad, Stefone left Arkadelphia for Missouri where he graduated from St. Charles West High School in 2008. Throughout his academic career Stefone excelled as both a student and an athlete. Intelligent, handsome and fiercely loyal, he formed life-long friendships in Missouri and attended Lindenwood University where he studied information technology. His energetic personality, giving nature and pursuit for the next best thing was a magnet for all those who wanted his energy to rub off on them.

He later relocated to Arkadelphia and where he attended both Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and St. Paul AME. His strong work ethic, loving spirit and contagious smile provided a pathway to success. He was a former employee of Anthony Timberland in Malvern, Arkansas where he was recognized for his exceptional performance and professionalism. Seeking greater challenges and new opportunities he left Timberland and most recently worked as a rigger at New Millennium Building Supply in Hope, Arkansas.

Stefone’s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends; but nothing could replace his love for and time spent with his son Bryce. Unwilling to settle for anything less than the best for both himself and his son, he had dreams of becoming a “Real Estate Investor.” In order to realize his dream, Stefone cut hair on the weekends to supplement his income while in pursuit of financial security. Serving as a living example to his son of hard work and perseverance, Stefone took every opportunity he had to talk with Bryce about the importance of working hard and doing well in school.

During his twenty-eight seasons of life, he made friends across all walks of life. He was a father, brother, son and mentor. Many who crossed his path will never forget the glow in his eyes, excitement in his voice and warmth of his smile. Full of God’s love and complete in His work, on Sunday, March 18, 2018, Stefone passed from this life. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Rouse, Jr., his uncle Michael Buford and grandfather Mitchell Davis Sr. Had he lived longer, their reunion would have lingered.

In his life many were the recipients of his infectious love, charm and big heart. In his death, we celebrate his life, his love and his spirit as a gift from God to this world. Treasuring God’s gift for all eternity are his son, Bryce Buckley; his father, Vernon (Daphne) Davis; his mother, Cora Buckley; his grandparents, Necie Jean Powell Davis, Lorena Simpson, James “Joe” Buckley and Helen Jean (Willis) Williams; his siblings, Sharri Davis, Vernisha Davis, Vernon R. Davis, Jr., Dylan C. Davis, Stacy N. Brooks, Sage N. Brooks, Crandon D. Isaac, Turquois Rhone, Adavion Perry, Dasia Watson, Jasmine Rouse, Marina Rouse, Gari Rouse, Jacob Rouse, Asia Rouse and Tori Rouse; aunts, Amelia (Chris) Mitchell, Cynthia (Lee) Young, Sheri Simpson and LaTasha Buckley; uncles, Mitchell (Teresa) Davis Jr. and Renski Davis-Buckley. He also leaves a host of great aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, special friends, Keithtron Purifoy and Thaddeus Roberts and innumerable friends.

Public visitation will be held on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.at Williams Funeral Home. We celebrate his life at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Dr. Lewis A. Shepherd, Jr., Pastor and Minister Mitchell Davis, Jr., Eulogist. Interment will be conducted at Shady Grove Cemetery in Arkadelphia.