William Lee Buckner

William Lee Buckner, 83, of Siler City, went to his Heavenly home on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

William was born in Chatham County on December 7th, 1941, to the late Wren and Joyce Perry Buckner. He is preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, P.D. Short.

William was a graduate of NC State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he worked in the textile industry as an engineer, then was the owner/operator of Metric Machine & Design Tool & Die, Inc. Additionally, he founded and operated M&M Temporary, a job placement agency in Sanford, NC. William and Kay married in 1962 and were together all through school. His love for Kay and his family never went unnoticed. William was very creative and enjoyed painting and reading. He was an avid golfer and took pride in his two aces. He was offered a walk on position for NC State Basketball during his time there which he was proud of. William was always working on some kind of project. He loved building and making things. He also was a dog lover and enjoyed walking Hickory Mountain every day. He attended Sapling Ridge Methodist Church.

William is survived by his wife of 63 years, Virginia Kay Fox Buckner of the home; his daughter, Annette Buckner Hall and her husband, Douglas Lee Hall, Jr. of Apex, NC; his son, Benjamin Henry Buckner of Siler City; his sister, Durene Short Phillips and her husband, Lynn of Siler City; and his three grandchildren, Mattie Kay Buckner, Benjamin Henry Buckner II, and Maris Hall DeBruhl.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at 2 PM, at South Fork Friends Church with Reverend Jason Dickerson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made in William’s name to the Dementia Foundation, https://alzfdn.org/donate/ 

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Buckner family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com