William M. Buck
William McCranie “Bill” or “Butch” Buck, 74, went home with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was surrounded with his family, including his sweet dog, Lola.
Bill was a resident of Vernon, Texas since 1976. He was born in Fort Meyers, Fla., on April 17, 1940, to Major William and Mildred Buck. He graduated from Altus High School in 1960 and joined the U.S. Navy. Shortly after he married his high school sweetheart, Vickie Sue Sonleiter, on May 23, 1961, in Altus, Okla. While stationed in Naples, Italy, Bill and Vickie were blessed with sons, William and Derek. Following his Naval service, Bill worked for Motorola Communications before returning to Texas in 1976. While in Vernon, he worked and managed Coy’s Discount Foods and Osborne’s before retiring from the U.S. Post Office, Following his retirement, he worked part time at the Hill Crest Country Club pro shop until his passing. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Vernon. During his time in the church, he served as an Elder and Lay Minister…not only to the members, but to his sons.
Bill’s passions included swimming whit his grandkids golf with his sons, grandson Cole and Hill Crest Country Club buddies. He enjoyed coffee, small talk and peanuts…not necessarily in that order!
Bill is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicki Sonleiter Buck of Vernon, Texas, and sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. William Buck and wife Shannon of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dr. Derek Buck and wife Amanda of Little Rock, Ark. He is also survived by his four beautiful grandchildren, Erin, Cole, Emma and Mason buck. Billhas three brothers, Kenneth and wife Jean Buck of Virginia Beach, Va., Doug Buck of Fort Meyers, Fla., and Greg and wife Debbie Buck of Bartow, Fla.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27, at First Presbyterian Church in Vernon. There will also be a time to visit with the family and celebrate Bill and his life in the church parlor after the service. The family asks that memorials be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, whose compassionate and caring staff made his journey to Glory peaceful, and to First Presbyterian Church of Vernon his spiritual family.
