Jesse Hugh Buckner

Jesse Hugh Buckner, 88, went to his eternal home on Friday, April 28, 2023. Hugh was born April 8, 1935 to Jesse and Pearl Fender Buckner. He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Betty Ballard Buckner, who passed in 2008. He was also preceded in death by three brothers: Tommy, Johnny and Jack Buckner, and a sister, Doris Buckner.

Hugh was a well-known builder in the area and constructed hundreds of homes for people all over Western North Carolina. He took pride in what he did, and his work was truly his passion and hobby. He had a heart of gold, and did what he could to help people if he knew of a need. He always told his family, “always be good to people”, and he truly lived that in his life. And, he sure was good to his family, too. He was a very present constant in their lives and they never had to wonder if he cared. Hugh always spoke up for what he believed in, was strong in his beliefs and was a great, captivating storyteller. He loved to tell stories about things that happened when he was younger, chat with people at Raymond Chandler’s store or Summit Building Supply, talk about politics, Ford trucks and life in general – which earned him the nickname, “Windy.” He thoroughly enjoyed putting up his Christmas light display every year around Thanksgiving, and it made his day when someone told him they enjoyed his lights. He was funny, he was stubborn and he will be greatly missed. He faced life stoically through the ups and downs, said what he felt, and he did life his way.

Left to keep his memory alive are his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Sharon Buckner; his granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Brandi and Stephen Young; his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Johnathon and Taylor Buckner, and his great-grandson and namesake, Grayson Hugh Buckner. He is also survived by a brother, Donald Buckner and wife Rachel, and a sister, Iva Nell Buckner; two sisters-in-law: Peggy and Barbara Buckner; brother-in-law, Shelby Ballard and wife Loretta, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Also surviving is his loving friend and companion, Martha Hensley.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2 at Yancey Funeral Services.  Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home chapel with graveside services to follow in the Jesse Buckner Cemetery.  Rev. Joe George and Keith Buckner will officiate the services.

Memorial donations may be made to Feed-A-Child Yancey County at 151 Laurel Heights Drive, Burnsville, NC  28714, Attn: Robert Wyatt or you may also donate online at www.feedachildyc.org.  To send the Buckner family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.