David "Dave" S Buckner
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David's obituary
The Achievements & Insightful Life of Dr. David Buckner
If your kids make you adopt a cat, and you think it won’t become your best friend, stop.
Consider: Dr. David Lee Buckner (you may’ve known as “Dave”) who entered eternal life on
Monday, September 1st, 2025. David’s spirit is carried on by many who loved him, numerous to
list, but not forgotten. Although he may not be there next time you have a medical issue and
confide in him before you get concerned, he shared a piece of him with each person he met. He
was a son to his mother who adopted and raised him and his brother in Tucson, Arizona. He was
a kind doctor, sharing his reassurance with each patient. He was a devoted Costco member,
sharing his grocery list since adulthood. He was a father to two children (15 & 17), who he raised
with their mother in Knoxville, Tennessee. He shared his overpreparation with his daughter. He
was always color coded, organized, and thinking three steps ahead. On the other hand, he shared
his eligible handwriting and love for watching Sunday night football with his son. He was a kind
man, who noticed the little things, sharing his loyalty through life-long friendship. And
inevitably, David was an owner to 6 cats who he loved dearly. Yes. The same man who was
hesitant about getting pets, auditioned his cat for a modeling role and brushed them twice daily.
He is now reunited with four of his cats, as well as his adopted father “David T. Buckner”.
David is deeply missed by friends and family, but his impact will never flee us. We were
blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Dave during his 56 years, among them: Never doubt
the companionship of a cat. Buy the cat Halloween costumes. Don’t forget to get them Christmas
gifts, and special collars. Also: Someone has to ensure a successful Fourth of July show.
Although his patriotism outshined his fireworks, David never failed to light up the sky in our
backyard, as well as several neighboring properties. Even if all the odds are against you, your
dreams aren’t out of reach. Treat yourself to the California king bed. Keep your achievements to
yourself. If you don’t know what to watch, the Eminem lifestory documentary will do. Ask how
people are, give people their flowers. Applaud hard work. Carry on tradition (even if it’s a 25
year old choo-choo train). If your kids want you to dress up as Post Malone for Halloween, agree
to it. Nothing is embarrassing. There’s no such thing as ‘overdoing it’. Having every gadget for
every possible scenario isn’t too much, it’s equipped. Keep a backup key, and a backup to that
backup key. Pay your respect to veterans. Even when your grades are slipping, which in David’s
eyes is a B, don’t cheat. Honesty is the best policy, you’re only cheating yourself. Lean into what
you love, you’re never done learning. You only know 25% of what’s going on in other peoples’
lives. Never take advantage of your time with people, be present, you never know if it may be
your last interaction.
Above all, David wrote to everyone, about everything. You may read this and recall his
yearly ‘Christmas letters’ that actually fell closer into the packet category. His little acts of
literature may’ve tickled your funny bone, touched your heart, or maybe made you say “huh?”
David held those around him close to his intelligence and honesty. No matter the circumstance,
those two ethics applied. David received his Doctor of Medicine Degree as Dean’s scholar from
the University of Arizona in 1998. He later went on to complete residency in Pathology at the
University of Utah, as well as in Internal Medicine at the University of Arizona. David practiced
25 years of medicine to save lives, and now it is time to remember his. Write your friends thank
you cards, send a ‘Christmas Letter’, mail postcards. No matter how many times you failed
before, you are measured by your successes. Don’t abuse your right to literature, intelligence,
and honesty, David’s life is humble proof. “Things will get better” -David Lee Buckner.
David’s pronounced retirement plan consisted of purchasing a huge plot of land, in order
to open a ‘cat ranch’. He wanted to give cats, nationwide, a place to roam free while waiting to
be adopted, instead of impending in kill shelters. However, he was not able to fulfill his dream
here on Earth. So, in David’s honor, in lieu of flowers, friends (and strangers aiming to pay their
respects) can donate to the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley, 6717 Kingston Pike, Knoxville,
TN 37919, or any charity that seeks to help kitties find homes.
“The Brightest Flames Burn the Fastest” -David L. Buckner (May, 2024)
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