Dennis Lee Buckner

“In order to have friends you must first be one.” - Emerson If there was a motto in life for Dennis, it would be just that.  He never met a stranger that didn’t become a friend in his journey through life.Dennis Lee Buckner of Bluefield, West Virginia lost his courageous battle with cancer on August 26, 2017 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Salem, Virginia.  Born in Bluefield, West Virginia on July 10, 1951, he was the son of the late Earl and Virginia Buckner.  He is survived by two sons, Bryan (Janet) Buckner of Summerville, South Carolina and Blake (Courtney) Buckner of Richmond, Virginia and brother Gene (Mary) Buckner, sisters Sue (Dempsey) Scott, Betty (Carlos) Casey, Ruth (John) Peery, Janet Mabe, and Diane (Randy) Lambert, grandchildren Josie Buckner, Addey Buckner, Mallory Buckner, John Buckner, Paxton Buckner, Ashley Evans, Kevin Thomas, Dakota Smith, and Kaylin Barefoot, and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends Dennis retired from Skyland Hospital Supply and was later employed by Ramey Chevrolet.  He was an avid sports fan, attending practically all of the Bluefield Blue Jay/Oriole baseball games, Bluefield State College basketball games, and many local high school sporting events.  Dennis was very active in his community, which included his church family, sports buddies, golf buddies, social friends, and one special longtime, friend Bernard Vargo.  Dennis was involved in mentoring and assisting his and other children through their athletic activities He was a member of Lorton Lick Baptist Church, where he was very influential and impacted the entire congregation, from the children on up.  With his rich faith in God, Dennis would not allow cancer to define his life, instead he made the most of each day and inspired all of those around him Funeral services will be held Tuesday August 29, 2017 at 11:00 am at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701.  The Pastors officiating the service will be Shawn Bragg, Emory Marchant, Chad Lambert, and Wesley (Wes) Lambert.  The burial will be at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, 5550 Bagging Plant Road, Dublin, Virginia 24084. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Brother-in-laws Dempsey Scott and Carlos Casey, John Peery and Randy Lambert, who was his special caregiver.  Pallbearers will be Jason Mabe, Deion Nabors, Jermaine Mack, Jeff Tibbs, Chuck Eichel, Joe Dinger, Kevin Odle, and John Repass. Friends may visit the family Monday August 28, 2017 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lorton Lick Baptist Church, 2548 Lorton Lick Road, Bluefield, West Virginia 24701-7711 Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com