William Buckner

Buckner, William "WT" Thomas, 96, lifelong resident of Decherd, died on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at his home with his loving family by his side. Mr. Buckner was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winchester, Tenn.. He served his country in the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He was retired with the L&N railroad for over 35 years. Mr. Buckner was an avid gardener, fisherman, hunter, and breeder and trainer of beagles. His love of his beagles was known by many who came from surrounding states to purchase them due to their quality from his breeding and training. He also was a "Well Witcher" and on April 25, 2005, Mr. Buckner was honored by City Hall for leading them to one of the best wells in the city which by their own admission saved them thousands of dollars. The well, which is located on 1st Avenue near Mr. Buckners home, bears a plaque honoring his discovery. Mr. Buckner was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Beulah Buckner, wife of 64 years Grace McCoy Buckner, his son William Thomas ("Sonny") Buckner, and son-in-law Kenneth Wayne Marsh. Siblings, Homer Buckner, John Henry Buckner, Mable Buckner Clark, Lucille Buckner Stanfield, Shelly Buckner and Brenda Buckner. Survivors include his daughters: Mary Jean (Kenneth) Marsh and Rose Marie (John) Stutz, both of Chattanooga, and Kathaleen (Charles) Phillips of Nashville. Sister, Johnnie Fern Buckner of Pikeville, Tenn. Grandchildren: Kenny (Becky) Marsh and Tommy (Patty) Marsh both of Chattanooga, and Judy Marsh (Jim) Altheide of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Tracy (Candace) Smith of Chattanooga, Brenda Stutz of Fredericksburg, Va., and "Chip" (Jennifer) Phillips of Fort Oglethorpe. Great-grandchildren: Brandi Marsh (Matt) Gowan of Ooltewah, Danielle Altheide (J.P.) Cardwell of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Hannah and Holly Marsh, Lauren and Cassidi Smith, Kendra Jolly, all of Chattanooga, Derek and Douglas Altheide of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Sidney Phillips of Fort Oglethorpe, and Mackenzie Gamble of Fredericksburg, Va. Great-great-grandchildren: Kayla Rose Henley, Maddie Grace Gowan, Serenity and Ariel Altheide, Terrence Levi Calhoun, and John Peyton Cardwell. Other survivors include a host of nieces nephews, cousins, and friends. Pallbearers will be Kenny Marsh, Jim Altheide, Tracy Smith, Dewayne Buckner, J.P. Cardwell, and Douglas and Derek Altheide. Honorary Pallbearer will be Tommy Marsh. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. today followed by the service at 2 p.m. CST at Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Winchester, Tenn., with Chyrell Sells officiating. Arrangements by Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300-1st Avenue NW, Winchester, TN 37398, 931-967-2222. Interment will be in Mt. Garner Cemetery, Decherd, Tenn. 931-967-2222 www.moorecortner.com.