Mark R. Buckner

Mark R. Buckner, 70, of Stanardsville, Virginia, died at his home on Friday, January 5, 2024. Mark, born on December 17, 1953, was the only child of the late Jon F. and Oval R. Buckner of Candler, North Carolina. He is survived by his wife, Mary T. Francese Buckner, and son, Jon Powell Buckner. His daughter Rebecca Leigh “Becky” Buckner preceded him in death.

Mark was a graduate of Enka High School, Mars Hill College, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Most of his career was spent in musical endeavors. He taught piano and clarinet students at the Music Education Center and was loved by his students.

Mark played clarinet in both the Orange County Community Band and the 2nd Wind Band at the Center (senior) at Belvedere. He sang in church choirs at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Ruckersville and at Belmont Baptist Church in Charlottesville. He often played for funerals, weddings, and as a substitute for worship leadership at both churches.

Mark had a variety of interests. He enjoyed hiking on Skyline Drive; he sang barbershop for several years; he studied Italian and was hoping to become fluent in it. (He owned an Italian Bible). He was in a local bowling league for senior adults at Bowlero in Charlottesville. He was an avid reader.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Belmont Baptist Church, 830 Monticello Ave. A time of visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m.

The family will receive friends again at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at California Creek Baptist Church, 5131 Highway 23, Mars Hill NC. Burial will take place at the church yard at 11:00 a.m., weather permitting.