Max Connell Buckner

WEAVERVILLE, NC/LIBERTY, SC - Max Connell Buckner, age 94, of 121 Chandler Drive, Liberty SC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1st, 2023, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, SC. His work on earth was completed and God called him home.

Daddy was born in Buncombe County on January 7, 1929, the fourth of 12 children and the oldest son of Ross and Eupha Burrell Buckner.  He worked the family farm and attended Red Oak High School.  He entered the US Navy in March 1946 at the young age of 17 and traveled the world during the 30 years of his career and reserve service.  His longest assignment was proudly serving as a flight engineer with Air Transport Squadron VR-22 stationed at NAS Norfolk, VA for 11 of those years, and he was also stationed in Lakenheath, England and Millington, TN, where he retired in 1973 with the rank of ADRC (Aviation Machinist’s Mate Chief Petty Officer). During his service he was awarded six ribbons and medals: Good Conduct, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Navy Expeditionary, American Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.   

Max and Thadres married in 1977, and after they moved to Fair Play, SC in 1990, they started Max Buckner Sound, operating a first-class sound system for many bluegrass festivals across four states. Festivals of note were Vogel State Park in Georgia for 22 years and Bluegrass First Class in Asheville for 19 years. They enjoyed the travel and friendship of many people during the 23 years they operated. He also played several instruments, and his favorites were the stand-up bass fiddle and his Rickenbacker electric bass guitar, both of which he “picked” every chance he had with family and friends, and as the bass player for Brandy Rock Mountain Band.  He was a talented woodworker and built over 50 banjos which were sold across the USA.

He wore his US Navy Retired hats everywhere he went – and he was always thanked for his service. His favorite treat in his later years was to enjoy a fish dinner at Yousef’s Kitchen in Westminster, SC.

Max is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Edward Garvin of Liberty, SC; his grandson, Christopher Garvin (Katelyn) of Liberty, SC; his great-granddaughter, Maggie; two sisters, Janice B. Trexler of Leicester and Linda B. Albin (Tommy) of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Max was predeceased by his parents; his wife Gladys Laudon Buckner, in 1974; his wife Thadres Ensley Buckner, in 2020; his son, Jason Laudon Buckner, in 1982; seven sisters, Evelyn Herron, Doris Robinson, Frances Whitt, Helen Anders, Marie Anders, Barbara Bradley, and Mary June Hunter; and two brothers, Donald Buckner and Tommy Buckner.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 6th, 2023, at 11 am at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville, NC, conducted by Rev. Wesley Pike.

Burial will be held at Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Navy.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 5th from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm at the funeral home.

Please consider a memorial to Locust Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 305 Locust Grove Road, Weaverville, NC 28787, or to the charity of one’s choice. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Buckner’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.

The family would like to thank the staff of Prisma Health – Baptist Easley and Cottingham Hospice House for the care extended to Daddy during his last days with us.