Rocky Buckles Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Rocky Malone Buckles, 74, Johnson City died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at his home, after a battle with cancer. He gained his heavenly home and left behind many family members who will dearly miss him.

Born March 7, 1949, to Elmer "El" Buckles and Frances Ines Burrow Buckles, Rocky was one of 12 siblings. He grew up loving the outdoors and kept a love for the beauty of nature that helped drive him to be a passionate conservationist.

While very conservative, he was the first to give to those in need. He would be on his way without hesitation if asked for assistance. An excellent mechanic and sharp problem-solver, he could always find a way to make a repair. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy, including on the USS Dale, during the Vietnam War.

The smiles and laughter of children were his greatest joys in life, and his grandchildren were his source of strength during his fight with cancer. He wanted most to see them grow happily and safely into adulthood.

He will be remembered for his teasing smile, his loving generosity, and the comfort of his hugs.

He is survived by three children: Melissa Kennedy Lloyd and Tray Gunn; Rocky Shane and Olivia Buckles; and Kristen and O.J. Early; stepchild Amanda and Winston Bokor; thirteen grandchildren: Mason Buckles, Kasey Kennedy, Caleb Kennedy, Madison Buckles, Levi Tipton, Noah Lloyd, Tristan Buckles, Abby Buckles, Camden Buckles, Greyson Bokor, Madeline Bokor, Isabella Buckles and Aubrey Buckles; his significant other, Dolly Buckles; siblings Martha Lue McIntosh, Eleanor Prophett, Elizabeth Samples, Danny Buckles, Vikki Ward, Fredia Teresia Knarr, and Allen Buckles; and many close friends and family, including Jon and Barbara Lau and Ballard Bailey.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Mary Etta Lyons, Joe Buckles, Sandra Hardin, and Louise Buckles.

A private graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section). Military Honors will be conducted.

Active pallbearers will be Danny Buckles, Caleb Kennedy, Mason Buckles, O.J. Early, Cody Fann, and Tray Gunn. Honorary pallbearers include Allen Buckles, Johnny Davis, Gary Knarr, Jon Lau, and Ballard Bailey. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Thursday. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Buckles family.