May 10, 1928 – Aug. 5, 2012

HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — Fred Theophilus “Bubba” Buckles, 84, died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, after a lengthy illness at 4:15 p.m., at Woodbury Wellness Center.

His cremated remains will be laid to rest in Norwood, La., at a later date.

Mr. Buckles was born May 10, 1928, in Natchez, the son of Laurence Houston Buckles and Synthia Katherine “Katie” Davis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Air Force. He was a retired engine forman with KCS Railroad.

Mr. Buckles was preceded in death by his second wife, Jennifer “Jeni” Melvin; one beloved son, Michael B. Buckles; his parents; one beloved sister, Julie Turner; and six beloved brothers, Otis, Lee, Leslie, Leon, Laurence and Claude Buckles.

Survivors include his first wife and the mother of his four children, Ruth Ann Aune; daughters, Cynthia Tobey and Virginia “Ginger” Zimmerman; son, Brad Buckles; six grandchildren, Christine Blum-Guidry, Andrew M. Stewart, Erick Sonnier, Jason Sonnier, Brandi Buckles and Ashley Buckles; and two great-grandchildren, Jack Guidry and Wyatt Guidry.

Our dad lived in Norwood, La., and Clinton, La., for a number of years. He loved raising cattle, growing a good garden, having coffee and conversation with friends and family and most of all … sharing a good joke to make people laugh. We love you!

Special thanks to the staff of Woodbury Wellness Center in Hampstead and to Cape Fear Hospice for their kindness and support.