Noy Buckner, Jr. was born on June 27, 1947, in Gurdon, Arkansas, to Alice Louise Buckner and Noy Bucker, Sr.

Noy, Jr. was the eldest of two sons. He was a delightful child, filled with fun-loving energy, cheerful laughter, and the early ability to “crack a joke.”  As a young boy, Noy spent a lot of time in the home of his Aunt Wanda and Uncle Mack Crow. It was during those times that he and his brother, J.C., taught each of their baby cousins, Darlene, Michael, and Joe Keith, how to take their first steps.

As an adult, Noy, Jr. enjoyed fishing. He loved it so much that he taught a local young boy the skills and value of fishing by taking him, as often as possible, to the nearby pond. His cousin, Michael Crow, recalls that Noy enjoyed spending time exploring outdoor life in the back woods. Michael recalls that he would often drive Noy, Jr. to the scenic backroads so that they could enjoy looking for wildlife, hunting, and exploring. For Michael, Noy was more like a brother than a cousin. Noy also greatly enjoyed spending time, joking, and laughing with his friends. He collected music from the era of his youth and was known to listen to it regularly. He had a heart for kindness and generosity and would help the elderly in his community by doing little chores for them. He would also give monetary gifts to people in need. Yes, he was kind, but if anyone did anything that Noy didn’t like, he wasn’t afraid to let them know it. 

He attended Word of Faith Christian Center in Arkadelphia for a few years with his Aunt Wanda, where his cousin Joe Crow was pastor. He later attended New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Gurdon, also with his Aunt Wanda.

Consistently encouraged to seek the Lord by his Aunt Wanda, and cousins, Michael and Deborah Crow, Noy, Jr. developed an increasing faith in God. Michael recalls that Noy would wake up many mornings enthusiastically thanking the Lord for another day.

As a testament to his character, often, when in physical pain and nearing the end of life, Noy had the amazing ability to maintain his sweet smile. Those of us who knew him, remember him for so many beautiful things: his kindness, generosity, sense of humor, willingness to teach young people, ability to stand his ground, faith in the Lord and that amazing sweet smile.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, including his Aunt Wanda Crow of Gurdon, Arkansas; first cousins Michael and Deborah Crow of Gurdon, Arkansas; first cousin, Darlene Crow McWilliams of Plainfield, New Jersey; a host of nieces, nephews, generations of cousins and many friends.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, July 25, 2022, at the funeral home. Services will be held graveside at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Rufus Hatley officiating.