Thomas Edward Buckley

Tom Buckley passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family at Avow Hospice on the evening of June 10th, 2024. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him.

Tom (Buck) Buckley was born in Springfield, Illinois on May 20,1945. He was the 2nd youngest of 6 children to Harry and Ileus Buckley. Tom attended Griffin High School and went on to attend Western Illinois University on a Golf scholarship. He would later leave college to marry his high school sweetheart, Carol Simmons and work for his family business, HM Buckley & Son’s Wholesale Nursery.

Tom and Carol and their 5 children moved to Naples, Florida in October, 1977 where Tom would build and manage the Florida location of HM Buckley & Son’s Wholesale Nursery until he retired in 2006. He was an avid golfer, a passionate bridge player and lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

Tom had a large family and many friends. Tom’s family was the most important thing in his life. He and Carol were married 58 years. Those who knew Tom knew how much he loved his family, he had strong convictions and he was a man of his word.

Tom was preceded in death by his Father, Mother and oldest and youngest sisters. He is survived by his wife, Carol and their 5 children: Jane Vazquez (Victor Vazquez), Jacqueline Jackson (Darvin Jackson), Thomas E. Buckley, Jr. (Ashley Buckley), Jill Coxwell (Michael Coxwell), Blake Buckley; as well as 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Avow Hospice where Tom received loving care during his final days. https://www.classy.org/give/544918/#!/donation/checkout