Robert Buckley

Robert (Bob) Lope Buckley, 86, entered his heavenly home on Sept 16, 2024 after a lengthy illness. Bob was a resident of Forsyth, Ga for 48 years and was very active in the community.

Bob was born the oldest of 3 children in Beaver Falls, PA, to Dr. H.P. Buckley and Margaret Lope Buckley. He spent his formative years in White Sulphur Springs, WV where he enjoyed growing up in a small town in the WV mountains during the 1950’s. Earning an Eagle Scout Badge, playing basketball, football and drums in the marching band and sharing part-time jobs delivering milk and newspapers with his brother, Tom, took up much of his free time. Many humorous stories have been told (and retold) over the years of the youthful antics of the Buckley boys, most of which Bob disavowed. In his high school senior year he had acquired enough academic credits to allow him to spend half of each day in shop class where he developed an interest and talent in woodworking. Several of his projects are still being used and enjoyed at home. Upon graduating from high school in 1956 Bob attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV before being drafted into the Army in 1958 where he served 2 years in Frankfort, Germany. After being honorably discharged to return to college, he was reactivated into service during the Berlin Crisis and served another year. After his military service he graduated from The University of Cincinnati with an accounting degree. He began his accounting career with George A. Pennington & Co. in Atlanta, GA. Upon earning his CPA license, Bob opened his own firm in Forsyth, GA. where he worked many long hours building a successful practice. Bob was active in the Georgia Society of CPAs for many years serving on various committees. His love of sports led him to serve over 25 years as a basketball official for high schools and colleges in the middle GA and Atlanta areas. While operating his CPA business full time, Bob also attended Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and earned his law degree. Before retiring in 2017, Bob’s plan was to return to woodworking in his later years so he and the late Lee Collins started a business called “Two Old Men and a Saw” where they made many beautiful Adirondack chairs and swings, among other things. But a stroke during surgery in 2011 brought that dream to an abrupt end. For the next 13 years Bob dealt with various health issues and challenges due to his stroke but he never complained and he never lost his faith in God. 

Bob was a member of Forsyth Presbyterian Church and later First Baptist Church, serving as elder, deacon, trustee and on numerous committees. Most recently he and Kathy joined Rock Springs Church in Milner, GA. He was a member of Gideons International and was active in the Forsyth Kiwanis Club for many years. 

Bob married Kathy (Day) Buckley (Dothan, AL) in 1984 and they joyfully welcomed their only child, Zack, 4 years later. Becoming a first-time father at age 50 was his greatest joy and he embraced fatherhood with exuberance. One of his favorite activities was watching Zack participate in many sporting events over the years. Also, the birth of his only grandchild, Ella Buckley, was the source of much pride and enjoyment recently.

Bob was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy; his son, Zack and wife, Chelsea and precious granddaughter Ella of Marietta, GA; his brother Dr. Tom (Patsy) Buckley, Loudon, TN; sister Martha Buckley, White Sulphur Springs, WV; brother and sister-in-law Steve (Karen) Day, Auburn, AL; sister-in-law Dianne Lapides, Huntsville, AL and nieces and nephews Amy (John) Bishop, Madison and Brandon Bishop, Loveland, OH; Erin (Rich) Blaum, Sarasota, FL; Capt. Ryan Day, Atlanta, GA, Garrett Day, Boston, MA; Karen (Enayat) Oliver, Anna Gordon and Maya Oliver, Atlanta, GA and Christa (Stephen) Norris, Cameron Norris, Huntsville, Al.

Visitation with family and friends will be on September 25, 2024 at 11 am at Monroe Memorial Chapel, Forsyth, GA with funeral services immediately following. A private burial with full military honors at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville, GA will take place after the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested that you make a donation in Bob’s memory to Gideons International (or your favorite charity). 

The Buckley family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Compassus Hospice, Macon, GA for the loving care they extended to Bob in recent months. 

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel 86 West Main Street Forsyth, Georgia has charge of the arrangements.