Harold Richard Buckley

Harold Richard Buckley was born in Sheldon, Texas on January 28, 1926. Harold gained his wings on Sunday, April 28, 2024. He was the son of John William Buckley and Alice Brasher Buckley. Survivors include daughter, Debbie and son-in-law Ronnie Pilcik of Industry and two granddaughters, Amanda Pilcik of Industry and Brittani Firestone, and two great-granddaughters, Sophie Martinez, and Ava Martinez. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Joy Smith and Elaine Snow, two brothers-in-law, Donald Snow and Ray Stanford, and many nieces and nephews. Harold left behind a special friend, Alice Neel.

Harold graduated from Waller High School after 11 years. He enlisted in the Navy before his 18th birthday with his father’s signature but would have been drafted at 18 anyway. World War II started when Japan attacked the US and destroyed much of our Pacific fleet by bombing Pearl Harbor. Harold served active duty from January 21, 1944, to February 16, 1946, and received an Honorary Discharge as the war ended with the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945, under the US leadership of President Harry Truman. After the war, Harold returned to Waller and met Bobbie Snow and they married on Nov 24, 1949. On Jan 10, 1956, the family welcomed their only child, Debbie, she was always her Daddy’s girl.

Harold was a ‘jack of all trades’ fixing almost anything broken. He worked on diesel engines in the service and, post service, repaired automobiles at a shop in Waller. Seeking more stable employment, Harold went to work for Shell Oil and worked seven days on and seven days off.  The family followed the job, living in Freeport, Galveston, and Houston before returning home to Waller to raise their family.  In Waller, Harold worked for Southwestern Bell holding many positions, and after 31 years, retired when he was 55.  After finishing all his retirement ‘honey-dos’, he was ready to return to work. He received his electrical license and wired new houses.  However, he and Bobbie wanted a job they could do together, so they started installing wallpaper for Eddie Pilcik and others. Man, that was a hard job. Harold and Bobbie went on to open a Radio Shack in Bellville.  Having a servant’s heart, Harold also drove a school bus in Bellville, as there was such a need.

Through the years Harold and Bobbie had many adventures.  They purchased a camper and discovered their love for travel and the outdoors.   During these times, they made lifelong friends who shared their passion.  Harold and Bobbie were avid fishermen and would fish for crappie all night on the piers of Lake Somerville. Granddaughters Amanda and Brittani have the fondest memories of weeks spent in summers, building campfires, feeding the animals Cheerios, and fishing and swimming.

Harold loved to garden and make Bobbie happy with flower beds. The Masonic Lodge in Bellville was very important to him. He was a past Master and served as secretary of the lodge for many years. Harold was also a member of the Scottish Rite. Later Harold joined the Order of the Eastern Star with Bobbie, her mother Annie Snow, and two of her sisters Barbara Stanford and Mary Ragland, and served as a Worthy Patron and on many committees.

Babysitting the granddaughters a couple of days a week for Debbie was such a pleasure.  Amanda got to watch soap operas with Nana and Brittani loved to read Poppy “The Little Train That Could” over and over. Many memories are shared and stories told.

After a battle with COPD, Bobbie died in September of 2010.  Harold supported and cared for Bobbie and met every need without complaint. He wrote a story called “2010 the Worst and the Best Year of My Life” as a Memorial to his beloved Bobbie.

During his 98 years, Harold had many special times. He and Bobbie’s Sunday lunches with the “Snow Clan’, was a wonderful time with laughter and intense card games. And Harold’s daily coffee with friends at Newman’s Bakery was very special. Mike Newman loved his older ‘regulars’ and each appreciated him. They are probably enjoying a heavenly cup together!

By chance, Harold met Alice Neel.  Both attended the Bellville Methodist Church and shared the loss of their spouses. They each helped the other through the difficult times.  Harold repaired things around Alice’s house, and Alice fixed home-cooked meals. For 13 years they enjoyed each other’s company. We are very thankful for her and for the support given to Harold through his journey to Heaven. The day he died, he smiled at her when she came to visit and say goodbye.

In July 2023 Harold chose to move to Argent Court Assisted Living. He knew he needed help but did not want to burden anyone. He thrived there and was friends with many of the residents and the kind and helpful Resident Assistants. Harold was even voted ‘Valentine King’ by the residents.

Harold was a wonderful and kind gentleman. It was a blessing to have had him for so long!


Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to either:

Acara Hospice
601 Graham Rd.
College Station, TX 77845
http://www.heartofacarafoundation.org


The Bellville Masonic Lodge AM&AF #223
PO Box 577
Bellville, Texas 77418


Bellville Methodist Church
PO Box 188
Bellville, TX 77418