A. M. Buckler, Jr.

Alonzo Magruder Buckler, Jr. (Al) 84, faithful husband and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed on to a better life December 3, 2008. Al was born on August 9, 1924 in Washington, D. C., the only son of Alonzo and Mabel Buckler. In 1929 they moved to Decatur, Georgia when Southern Railway transferred his father to Atlanta. Al attended Decatur Boys High School where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was later selected as one of Decatur High's 100 Living Legends because of his outstanding athletic achievements. Following graduation, Al served in the Army during World War II and in 1945 he entered the University of Georgia, where he played freshman football and lettered in track. While at UGA, he met Rosamond Harmon and they married on December 26, 1946. Al graduated in 1948 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and returned to Atlanta to work for Atlantic Steel Company for 35 years, retiring as Sales Manager in 1982. After retirement, he started A.M. Buckler and Associates, a manufacturer's representative company selling steel products and golf course materials. Al remained involved in athletics most of his life by serving as a high school football official for 48 years. He was instrumental in starting both the Atlanta Area Football Officials Association and, what is now, the Peach State Football Officials Association, for which he served as President. He was also a member of the Atlanta Athletic Club and the American Legion, Post 134. Al was raised in the First Baptist Church of Decatur where he served as a deacon and on numerous church committees. He was also a member of the Alert Sunday School class. His favorite job was driving a golf cart every Sunday morning to pick up members needing assistance from their cars to the sanctuary for morning services. Al is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rosamond Buckler and their four children: Bobby and Jane Buckler, Steve and Nancy Buckler, Bonnie and Sam Adams, and Lon Buckler and his fiancée, Paige Mason. Al is also survived by his grandchildren: Brad and Britt Buckler, Leslie and Jeff Nelson, Blake and Lydia Buckler, Katie Buckler, Stephanie and Phil Brosseau, Blair Buckler, Beau Buckler and Brooks Buckler. He also had four great-grandchildren: Alli and Elizabeth Buckler, Elisabeth Grace Griffin and Philip Brosseau. A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 7, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Decatur. Visitation will be held Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at A.S. Turner & Sons in Decatur. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to "Build the Dream" fund at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairmont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030. A. S. Turner & Sons.