W. "Buck" R. Askins

W.R. "BUCK" ASKINS, age 74, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 23, 2011. He was born and raised in Calera, where he graduated from Calera High School. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Buck worked at Alabama Power Company for 32 years until his retirement as shipping manager at the general complex in Alabaster. Buck was a loving father and devoted husband. He loved to fish, especially for those striped bass at Hatchett Creek every spring. He was a master electrician and could always be counted on to take care of that wiring job any friend or family may have needed. He was an avid reader, often reading two to three books per week. Buck loved to travel with his wife Gayle and their kids, whether it was an annual trip to Daytona Beach or just a weekend outing to a state park. His barbecued ribs were legendary and the highlight of many a 4th of July celebration. In his later years, Buck enjoyed what he called "piddling around his workshop," painting and building his beautiful birdhouses. His handiwork can be seen all over, in the homes and yards of family and friends. He was also fond of "hitting the jackpots" at the Silver Star, which he did with an uncanny knack. He leaves behind a loving, close-knit family and too many friends to count. Buck was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate of 48 years, Gayle Askins, and his parents, Roselle Sebert Askins and W.R. "Bill" Askins. Survivors include Buck and Gayle's three grown children, son Michael, daughter Sandy Mitchell and her husband Jimmy, and son Patrick and his wife Rhonda; five grandchildren, Jessica, Joey, Ashley, Amanda, and Alex; five sisters, Martha and her husband Leroy, Beulah and her husband John, Glenda and her husband Bill, Nancy, and Sharon; two brothers, Frank and his wife Jannette, and William and his wife Becky; brother-in-law Tommy and his wife Peggy; sister-in-law Donna and her husband Tim; Buck's "third" son Doug; plus numerous nieces and nephews and their families, who all called him simply, "Uncle Buck." The family will receive friends and extended family at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011, with a memorial service in celebration of Buck's life to immediately follow in the funeral home's chapel. Rev. Leroy Anthony will officiate.