James L. "Bucky" Wolford

Message from Paula Wilkes Dunlap

I deeply regret that no one in my family was able to attend the service for Bucky. Who would have ever thought that Bucky was pass before my father, who I know Bucky loved as his own father. And my father loved Bucky as if his own son. My father would not be able to understand the news that Bucky has died and so we have not told him. I know it would break his heart. But somehow I know in my heart that their bond will survive their physical bodies and that their souls will reunite and that gives me so much joy for both of them. Diane, you do not know me well, but please know that my heart breaks for you more than anyone. Your grief will be a solitary journey although I know you'll be surrounded by people who love you and support you. My eyes well up with tears when I think of you because I have known that same loss. There are no words I know, but if I can do anything for you, anything at all, I pray you'll let me know. If you just want someone to sit with you, I am here. Bucky was a kind and gentle person with a generous heart and an infectious spirit. It was one of my father's great joys to watch Bucky grow and succeed and give back and love people. His smile was of God. I feel confident to speak on my father's behalf since he cannot. He would say how proud he was of Bucky, he would say that he loved Bucky like family and he would cry and grieve the loss of one of his best boys.

Message from Norma Jean & Mick Soloff

We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to Diane, Clint, Chad and their families. You're in our thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult time. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

Message from The Turley Family

We loved that Bucky..........He was the real Deal............Please accept our condolences....

The Turley's

Message from Bill & Myra Jones

We are very saddened by the death of Bucky. We were blessed to have known Bucky and Diane from our sweet innocent youth. Diane and I were best high school friends and Bill and I spent lots of fun times with Diane and Bucky. He will not only be missed by his family, friends and colleagues, but also the community and business world as well. Our love and prayers are with Diane and all of their family.

Message from Ken Laney

Bucky was 3 years ahead of me at MJ. It has been around 10 years since I visited with Bucky in his Chatt. office. I happened to speak with Mike Burkett several weeks ago and casually asked how Bucky was doing. I had no idea that he was ill. When I saw him in 2006 he looked like he could still line up at halfback. From the first day that I knew Bucky, he was an over achiever. He was not big. He was not fast. He was very intelligent and very determined. I know of his desire was to play for Shug Jordan at Auburn University. I was listening to the radio when he recovered a fumbled football and returned it for 51 yards for a TD against Auburn. I know he was on the Jacksonville State football team in 1966 and cannot imagine how they missed out on his talent. Sometimes there are destinies for those with the perseverance and determination to succeed. Watching Bucky run from the Notre Dame box, dribble up and down the basketball court and play 2nd base with some of the best high school teams I have ever watched, it was difficult to learn that he has passed. He was never cocky, only committed. Bucky's success in business should be of no surprise to anyone who knew him. Bucky, may the Lord comfort your family and friends in this tremendous time of loss of such a wonderful person.

Message from Sandra Speegle Collins

I attended high school with Bucky. We were in several classes together as well as being together in Honor Society. Bucky was always polite, helpful, friendly, studious ,and a great athlete -- just an all around good guy that I was fortunate to call a friend. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Message from Malcolm and Joyce Martin ( Longwood, Florida)

Diane, We met you and Bucky when you were just married and we cherish all these years of friendship. Please, know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry we are unable to be there for the services.
We send you our love.
Malcolm and Joyce

Message from Rick Barker (1967 Moc football capt.)

Our prayers and thoughts with the family. Bucky had that "it" factor that helped in succeed in sports and in business. II Cor. 1:3-4 Rick Barker (63-67 Moc football).

Message from Doug and Nancy Trice

Diane, Clint, Chad and family,

We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.

Doug and Nancy Trice

A candle was lit by Larry and Connie Leigh on September 6, 2017 9:39 PM

Message from Harold Wilkes family

Bucky was loved like a member of our family. My father, Harold Wilkes, began a relationship with Bucky, as coach/player, that evolved into a father/son relationship. Dad loved him just like the son he never had and Dad felt as much love from Bucky. My mother loved him too and Bucky was such a comfort to her and my family ever since Dad's accident. I have heard Bucky's name growing up all of my life and loved being around him when he would visit. My family was very blessed to have Bucky in our lives and we will always be so thankful for every memory of him. Our prayers are with you for strength, comfort, and peace.
Jerri Wilkes

Message from Rachael LeBlanc

It has been my privilege to work with Bucky as a UT Trustee Emeriti and more recently with UT Foundation Board of Directors. His smile and kind heart will be dearly missed.

I pray your family finds peace in the memories you've shared. May God grant unto Bucky Eternal rest, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Sincerely,
Rachael

A candle was lit by ELLEN RAGLAND on September 6, 2017 12:11 AM

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SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN FRIENDS WITH THE LATE WOODROW WOLFORD AND HIS WIFE FOR SOMETIME AND FAMILY

Message from David Cox (Signal Mountain, Tennessee)

Diane, Clint, Chad, and family:
I am very saddened to hear this news. Bucky was a great friend to me, my dad Ron, and our entire family.
I will miss Bucky's unique and endearing personality. He had a fantastic sense of humor, the generosity he showed to friends and family was extraordinary, and his commitment to his teammates, his school, our community, and our country demonstrate rare hallmarks of leadership.
It is easy to see how he achieved so much - in such a short amount of time.
I count myself as very fortunate to call Bucky Wolford a friend.

Message from Rick English

Bucky was a friend and teammate and then a business associate for over 52 years! A warrior on the field and in the real estate business he excelled in every endeavor he under took. We both became Vice Presidents in May 1977 and he took his company to the industry's highest levels never achieved before! We lost track of each other when I moved from Chattanooga in 1995 but when I moved back to Nashville we reconnected. The last 3/4 years we spoke often and I visited him here at Vanderbilt when he was in Nashville. I love you Bucky as I told you many times the last 2 years and one of the biggest comments I've ever received was him saying back to me I love you too Rick. God Bless you my friend. You are missed by all of us! Rick

A candle was lit by Texas on September 11, 2017 3:26 PM

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One of my brothers just made me aware of Bucky's passing. Rest in peace my high school friend. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his loving arms around "Bucky's" family.
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelations 21:4)

Message from Lance H Sturges

Bucky, I admired you.