Buck was my very first FTO when I reported to the Tampa FHP station in 1981. Upon introducing myself, he called me "Smiley," shook his head, grinned and informed  me that he trained my dad, Jim, twenty-five years ago in Miami.  He drove me to Lupton"s BBQ on 30th Street for my initial orientation to the Patrol.  I knew that day that he would be a trusted friend and mentor.  A few years later I had the privilege of speaking at his retirement party at the IBEW Union Hall.  I made the comment that the "B.B." in his first two initials stood for "broiled in butter."   That absolutely fit his eloquence of speech and smooth style. Combine that with a last name like "Justice" and his title of state trooper made him a legend throughout  the state.  Everybody knew Buck.  God knew him well and blessed him with a wonderful life.  
Rick Foster
Retired FHP

My thoughts and prayers are with the famiy at this very sad time.  Buck was such a wonderful and kind person and I have lots of fond memeories of him.  

Bernard, or "Uncle Buck" was a such a great man and a great role model for a young man.  As one of his nephews, my fondest memories was going to the mountains every summer with my cousin Lamar.    Uncle Buck and Aunt Eva treated us so well and it was always so much fun.  As I entered law enforcement and rose through the ranks, Uncle Buck always had profound words of wisdom and was very insightful to the world of law enforcement and politics.  I will truly miss him and the world was a better place because of him.

It always made me laugh when Buck would tell stories of when he and his brother, Buford, were young.  They knew Burt Reynolds when he was trying to become a policeman then eventually became a movie star.  The movie character Buford T. Justice was in honor of their friendship.  

Buck was a trooper in Miami when I first met him.  He was then (and always) known as a "trooper's trooper."  Always willing to do what ever was needed without complaint and always there to offer advice and support to the younger guys.  He was one of those men you  would always point to for the younger guys to model themselves after. 
God Bless him and his family and comfort them. 

In 1981,  I had the honor of riding with Buck my first week as a rookie trooper in Tampa.   Upon being introduced to Buck as being the son of "Trooper Jim,"  Buck gave me a huge grin and informed me that back in 1956, he had been one of my father's first training officers in Miami.  Needless to say, we hit it off great.  He was a good mentor and friend.  At his retirement party, I had the distinct honor of taking the podium to speak about his storied career.  I started by asking the guests if they knew what Buck's initials "B. B." really stood for...and then proceeded to tell them that it was "Broiled in Butter" for the silky smooth manner that he performed his duties as a state trooper.  I ended it with the following line (I'll never forget it):  "The centerline on our highways will always glow a little bit brighter because of Buck Justice."  RIP Buck...I'll always remember you as a great man.

OBITUARY

Bernard "Buck" Justice

18 January, 1932 – 17 May, 2018

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Terrace Oaks Chapel

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