Bryan Thomas Buck, 97, of Pampa, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2023 in Pampa.
Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, December 14, 2023 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Byron Williams, pastor, and Pastor Jeremy Buck, grandson, officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory. The service will be livestreamed through the funeral home website.
Bryan was born April 1, 1926 in Iowa Park, Texas to Middleton Thomas Buck and Myrtle Darnell Buck. As a child Bryan and his family moved to Pampa, where he spent the majority of his life. Bryan entered the US Army in 1944 in order to serve in WW2 in the Pacific Theater. Bryan quickly advanced to serving as a Staff Sergeant from Private First Class, having skipped three ranks along the way. He served as a squad leader in the 32th regiment of the 7th Infantry Division. While seeing action in the Battle of Okinawa, his life was spared by the New Testament that he carried faithfully in his left chest pocket, protecting him when he was hit by shrapnel.
After spending three years away during the War, Bryan returned to Pampa to marry the love of his life, Betty Mae Brown. They were wed on August 21, 1947 in a double ceremony at First Baptist Church along with their friends Sidney and Alice Largin. Their first child, Dickie Bryan Buck, was born in 1948, but tragically died 19 days later. God later blessed Bryan and Betty with three more children: Laura Rebecca, Michael Thomas, and Suzanne.
Bryan worked for Phillips Pipeline for 38 years, retiring in 1985. After which, they enjoyed traveling with the Good Sam’s Travel Club, where they had many years spending time with great friends and the opportunity to see much of the country.
Bryan was ordained a deacon in 1962 and faithfully served until he was no longer physically able, being named Deacon Emeritus in 2018. He humbly and faithfully served the Lord in many ways, including serving with Church Builders and SBC Disaster Relief for many years.
Bryan enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, cooking and hosting large meals for friends and loved ones. God blessed Bryan and Betty’s marriage for 62 years, until Betty’s passing in November of 2009.
Bryan was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, their infant son Dickie, an infant grandson Matthew Thomas Buck, and a son in law Mickey Oliver.
He is survived by his only sibling, his sister Billie Jean Johnson, as well his children Becky Buck of Amarillo, Mike Buck and wife Shirley of Pampa, and Suzanne Oliver of Pampa. He is also survived by four grandchildren Corey Oliver, Jeremy and wife Karmen Buck, Shanna Buck, and Bryan and wife Jasmine Oliver, and eight great grandchildren Emma, Kiara (Noir), Owen, Magnus, Karsen, Jude, Pietro and Janner.
The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Interim Hospice for the loving care shown to Bryan during his final days by Shaunna and Adriana.
Memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church, PO Box 621, Pampa, Texas 79066 or Redeemer Pampa, 225 N. Cuyler, Pampa, Texas 79065.
Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com
