"Sam/Bull" Robert Kenneth Buckner passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026, at his residence. He was the son of the late Preston and Ethel Rice Buckner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, a beautiful woman of faith, Brenda Metcalf Buckner, whose love and devotion were a cherished part of his life; his longtime special friend of over 30 years, Pauline Hughes; and his siblings, Monell Hyder, Lynn Buckner, David Buckner and Lorraine Atkins, of which Sam was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Sam/Bull retired after 30 years of service from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) and was a firm believer in the value of hard work. A lifelong tobacco and hay farmer, he was known for his strong work ethic and quiet but steadfast faith, finding comfort in knowing that heaven would be his eternal home. Some of his greatest pleasures were tinkering with his old trucks and tractors, sitting on the porch with his dogs, Mercy and Molly, and spending time at D&D Grocery, where he enjoyed the friendship, laughter, and fellowship of his many friends.

Those left to honor his memory are his loving daughter, Jennifer Kiger (Gary); and devoted son, Robbie Buckner; grandchildren, John Kiger (Shelby) and Megan Davis (Dylan); his favorite mechanic and nephew, Bill Atkins, with whom he shared many laughs and plenty of good memories; sisters-in-law, Shirley Norton and Diane Mazyck; and several other nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Maney Cemetery in Barnardsville. His son-in-law, Gary Kiger, will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org