Lawrence Richard Buckley

Published 2:48 pm Friday, February 21, 2025

Sept. 16, 1946 – Feb. 17, 2025

NATCHEZ – Lawrence “Larry” Richard Buckley, formerly of Winchester, TN, passed away on Feb. 17, 2025, at Trinity Medical in Ferriday, following a brief illness. He was 78 years old.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Basilica with Father Aaron Williams officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Mary Basilica.

Larry was best known as Mr. B. the beloved band director and mentor to thousands of students over his career in Franklin County, TN, Grundy County, TN, and Natchez, MS.  He was also Uncle Larry to dozens of Buckley nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

As a graduate of the Franklin Co. High School Class of 1964, Larry went on to receive his degree in Music from Tennessee Tech in 1968.  Upon the retirement of his father, William Aaron Buckley, as the assistant band director, Larry became the band director at both North and South Jr. Highs as well as the assistant director at Franklin County High School. He later relocated to Natchez, where he was the band director for the Natchez-Adams School District until his retirement. Larry spent his life doing what he enjoyed most, entertaining and being entertained.

He was preceded in death by his parents William Aaron and Claire Kavanaugh Buckley; his brothers, William Donald (Virginia) Buckley, Robert P. (Bonnie) Buckley, Dennis “D.A.” Buckley, Edward Joseph Buckley, and one sister, Rebecca L. (Dickie) Schaeffer.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Fowlkes; his brother, Patrick (Sally) Buckley; sister-in-law, Doris Buckley; stepchildren, Aimee (Russ) Harmon, Christy (Liz) Williams; and grandchildren, Bryce, Grant, and Anna Lucia.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.