USN (Ret) Gerald Wayne Buckner

USN (Ret) Gerald Wayne Buckner "Chief", age 78, of Mableton, Georgia, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2020. He was born April 22, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia to Mr. Hugh Berry Buckner. and Mrs. Myrtice Louise Buckner. Gerald grew up in Atlanta, GA. He attended Campbell of Smyrna High School and was a Retired Veteran of the United States Navy. Chief joined the U.S. Navy 6th of May 1960 and retired 12th of July 1979 after serving his country for 20 years. During his time in the Navy he earned the rank E7 CPO. He was awarded (5) Navy Good Conduct Awards, The National Defense Service Medal, The Navy Expeditionary Medal, (2) Air Medals and The Vietnam Service Medal. After retirement Pop, as his family referred to him, enjoyed spending his free time hunting and fishing with family and friends. There are many words to describe Pop; he was a man of integrity, prideful, brave, devoted, respectful and wise. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, his half brother; Grady Buckner, his son; James Buckner He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Brenda Buckner; his children, Joel and Jerry; his stepchildren, Charles Lee, Duane Lee (Jennifer), Angela Foresman (Robert), Margaret Carter (Byron); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister Sybil Jordan (Ben); many nieces and nephews and numerous friends Family will receive friends Tuesday, November 10th at 11:00 am at the Country Inn and Suites meeting room, 705 Transit Ave. Canton, GA 30114. A graveside service with Full Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 1:30 pm at the Georgia National Cemetery located 2025 Mt. Carmel Church Lane Canton, GA 30114 with Pastor Sam Braswell of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church of Carrollton, GA officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home of Douglasville is in charge of the arrangements. 770-942-2311