George Ralph Buck

June 4, 2019

George passed away on June 4, 2019, losing a short, hard battle with cancer. He was born in Columbia, SC on September 30, 1933, son of Katie Henrietta Lee and Roy William Buck. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1951 and from Clemson University in 1956 with a degree in Architectural Engineering. George served in the US Army, including time in Korea. He continued in the 108th Division, Army Reserves, retiring as Lt. Colonel in 1984.

He was employed as an architect by Marsh & Hawkins, then AG Odell, and retired from JN Pease in 1998. He was an active member of the American Institute of Architects.

George played volleyball with the architects’ summer league and continued long past retirement. He had the enthusiasm of a little boy on the volleyball court, and his team counted on his consistency in serving. He also loved getting on his bike. Until this year, he eagerly joined the annual Mayor’s Ride to work – even though he wasn’t working.

He was a dedicated member of Myers Park Baptist Church for 60 years, sang in the choir, served as deacon, as a Stephen Minister and in many other roles. George logged many hours of service with local environmental groups, most of them hands-on and getting dirty.

George was a thoughtful and generous neighbor and a friend to many. Most of all, he was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Smith Buck, and his children: Brian, Santa Cruz, CA; Eric, Washington, DC; Robin, London, UK; and by his brother Richard, Columbia, SC and his family.

A memorial service will be at Myers Park Baptist Church on Monday, June 10 at 2 pm.

Memorials may be sent to Myers Park Baptist Church, Music & Worship Fund, 1900 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203 or Catawba Lands Conservancy, 4530 Park Rd Ste 420, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Patsy Sutherland

    Mary Lou, I was so sad and surprised to read that your husband died. You have many people who love you and care about you. I just wanted to add my name to that list.

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  • Carolyn Cooper

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss I only knew George for a short time through Sierra Club but I remember his wonderful smile and thoughtful manner. Sending peaceful thoughts to all the family.

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  • Robert E. Moore

    I feel blessed to have known George through the years of AIA Charlotte meetings, the Committee on the Environment, Small Firms Lunch Group as well as numerous professional encounters over the years. He will be missed by all who knew him and enjoyed his company and comradery. My prayers and thoughts are with Mary Lou and his family.

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  • Henry Graham

    I was sorry to read that George has passed. I served with him for a number of years in the 108th Division mostly on the Brigade Staff, both in Charlotte and during summer at several different posts. . George was a hard worker and always sought to accomplish any task to the fullest. We served both as equal staff officers and later with me as Executive Officer. My last meeting with him was at the services for another Reservist friend, Paul Braswell, and we remarked then that there were diminishing numbers of us "old soldiers." I have many good memories of the time we spent together. My condolences to the family.

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  • Ernest Rider

    Dear George:
    Too soon and Too Quick! George you have long been the the image of God's true gift to humanity. Always ready to step in and provide the love and support needed by those of us who needed help, guidance and the appreciation of the goodness of our lives. Many of us find it difficult to find and follow God's gift to human beings. Somehow you nailed it long ago and used that gift to help others live a more loving life. You may be gone from this life but your presence still remains within the hearts of those of us touched by God's gift to your life.
    May the life of this Blessed Human being serve as a guide for our lives too.
    Happy Trails George. Thank you for being my friend!

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  • Richard Darlington

    Many fond memories of events with our children & especially that VW Beetle running around town!

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  • Kathy Grace Halverson

    I feel blessed to have seen George one more time before he passed over. I didn't know him well, but I knew Mary Lou on and off for 20 years. My prayers and love are with Mary Lou and her family.

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  • Eleanor Barnhardt

    Our sympathy to Mary Lou, Eric, Robin, and Brian. George was the perfect neighbor; always cheerful, kind, and generously going out of his way to help in every way with a spring on his step and smile on his face. It has been our great good fortune to have known him for the past 33 years. He was loved and will be missed immeasurably.

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  • Ron and Nancy Bryant

    Oh Mary Lou, we are so sad to hear. We remember good times with y'all...
    Peace be with you,
    Ron and Nancy Bryant

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  • Kiki Neale

    What a kind and lovely man George was. He was so welcoming to us when we came to Myers Park Baptist. Rest In Peace, friend.

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