Orton Woodward Buckner Jr.

Orton Woodward "Woody" Buckner, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and boundless curiosity that touched lives across continents and communities.

Born in San Francisco, California on May 21, 1954, to Orton and June Buckner, Woody spent his early childhood in the city before moving to Mill Valley in 1959, and eventually to Tiburon. There, he shared a lively 1600 sq. ft. home with his growing family and siblings: Lee, Ann, and Tully, forming the close-knit foundation that would shape his values and vibrant character.

A precocious student who skipped the 6th grade, Woody was a proud founding member of the Redwood High School Crew team and graduated from Redwood High in 1971. He went on to earn a degree in immunology from UC Berkeley in 1975, where his intellectual curiosity flourished. Woody's early career was as dynamic as his personality, serving as a speechwriter for Senator S.I. Hayakawa and later as a paralegal at Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro in San Francisco.

He earned his MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business in 1979 and worked alongside industry legend Jack Welch at General Electric Information Services. In 1984, Woody moved to Dallas, Texas, where he launched his own computer information technology firm in the medical field, an early pioneer in an industry that continues to reshape modern healthcare.

After two decades as a transformational CEO, scientist, and public policy leader, Woody founded Global Leadership Artist (GLA), a unique calling that merged his talents in business, science, and personal development. As a GLA, he advised global leaders seeking to ignite meaningful change, not just within their organizations, but in the world.

Woody was a dynamic business leader, a devoted mentor, a passionate scientist, and a loyal friend. His magnetic personality, sharp wit, and generous spirit made him unforgettable. He was an active member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), and a man of deep faith, purpose, and compassion.

Among all of Woody's many roles and accomplishments, none brought him more joy, pride, or purpose than being a father to his beloved daughter, Shelley Buckner. He considered Shelley his greatest gift and legacy. He supported her dreams with fierce devotion and celebrated her talents, resilience, and spirit at every stage of her life. Their bond was deep, loving, and unbreakable, a constant source of strength and inspiration to both.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelley Buckner; stepdaughters, Natalie Anthony and Alexis Johnson; step-grandchildren Rose, Dylan, Clive, and Gregory; his cherished siblings, Ann Ludington, Lee Buckner, and Tully Buckner; and a wide circle of friends, colleagues, and those fortunate enough to have been mentored by him.

Woody's legacy is one of wisdom, warmth, and wonder-a life lived with heart, humor, and a relentless drive to make the world a better place.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, April 15, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Transplant Patient Assistance Fund at UCLA, in honor of Woody's life and value - https://giving.ucla.edu/campaign/Donate.aspx?Fund=64471C