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Ralph H. Buckles, 84, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Ralph was born in Carter County to the late Lockett Grant Buckles and Maggie (Campbell) Buckles. 

In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by his first wife of over 50 years, Glenda Caye Buckles, and several family members, sisters and brothers.

Ralph retired from American Limestone and was a member of Unaka Baptist Church and attended New Liberty Baptist Church. While in school, Ralph was an outstanding athlete, excelling in football, track and field and shot put. He was a history fanatic and loved reading history books and his Bible.

Those left to cherish Ralph’s memory are his second wife of seven years, Della Mae (Lipps) Buckles of the home; his children, Dayton and Kim Buckles and Gene and Lena Bowman, all of Elizabethton, Ralph L Buckles and wife Amy of Stanfield, N.C., and Naaman Buckles, also of Elizabethton; 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter; several nieces, nephews and other family members also survive as well as a special cousin, Tonia.

A service to celebrate and honor the life of Ralph H. Buckles will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 13, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Pastor Wesley Duncan and Rev. Rusty Verran officiating. Kenny Greer will provide special music. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 12 and 2 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service.

The graveside service will follow in the Blevins Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Chris Shumate, Corbin Shumate, Elijah Hampton, Landon Grindstaff, Cody Buckles, Kyle Ford, Ketih Mullins, Logan Buckles, Brent Parlier and Caleb Buckles. Honorary pallbearers will be members of “The Barn” a.k.a. The Liars Club and members of New Liberty Baptist Church and Unaka Baptist Church. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in Ralph’s memory to Marsh Blood Donor Services. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Ralph H. Buckles. Office Phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Information Line (423) 543-4917.