A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Earl dedicated his life to service and faith. He rose early every morning without fail to study God’s word and pray fervently for many on his prayer lists. He was an active member of College Place Methodist Church, where he found great joy in worship, teaching, and fellowship. His compassionate heart led him to serve with the American Red Cross, Gideons International, Red Bird Mission, Christian Appalachian Project, Manna House, and numerous other organizations, always seeking to uplift those in need.
Earl grew up in Jellico, TN and moved to South Georgia in 1966. He served his country in the US Army and had a versatile career path at Woolworth, Howard Johnson, and Georgia Pacific, with entrepreneurial ventures in carwash and rental property ownership. He worked tirelessly all of his life and aimed to instill that work ethic in others.
Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lula Arnsdorff Buckner; his children, Michelle Buckner Landing (Joel) and Michael Buckner (Amity); and his siblings, James Buckner (Mary) and Rosella Palmer (Mickey). He is also survived by extended family and his adult grandchildren Kara Michelle Landing, Hannah Buckner Mathis (Jacob), and John Daniel Buckner. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to his community will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Francis Robert, Henry Oliver, Russell Allen, and Gilbert LaFave Buckner.
The family will receive friends at 10 AM on Wednesday, April 2 at College Place Methodist Church in Brunswick, GA. The worship service celebrating Earl’s life will follow at 11 AM and will be officiated by the Rev. Scott Stanfill. College Park’s co-ed Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
A graveside service will be held at 4 PM on Wednesday, April 2 at The Church at Turkey Branch, 899 Turkey Branch Rd, Springfield, GA. The graveside service will be officiated by Rev. Chance S. Ward. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following organizations: College Place Methodist Church (https://www.collegeplacechurch.org), American Red Cross (https://www.redcrossblood.org), Gideons International (https://friendsofgideons.org), Red Bird Mission (https://www.redbirdky.org), Christian Appalachian Project (https://www.christianapp.org), or Manna House (https://mannahousebrunswickga.org).
Earl’s legacy of love and service will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Edo Miller and Sons funeral home is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com
