Samuel Buckey

Samuel F. “Sam” Buckey, 82, of Byesville, went home to be with his Savior and also his wife, Joan, on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) at Oak Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Baltic, surrounded by his daughter and granddaughter.

He was born March 13, 1942 in Ava, the son of the late William T. “Wild Bill” Buckey and Kathleen (Kirk) Buckey.

Sam was an entrepreneur and businessman throughout his entire life. He owned and operated several businesses in Guernsey County and the surrounding areas, as well as mobile home parks & sales and many hotels – including The Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, Spirit of ’76, and The Pancake House, just to name a few. He was also involved in the oil & gas industry – he established Frederick Petroleum, several restaurants (including the Leatherwood Restaurant and Lounge), and most recently, Sudzee’s Laundromat in Cambridge. He always had an eye for business and used to joke saying “I’ve made a million and lost a million”. Sam was a deal maker and was always looking for the next “big deal”.

He enjoyed traveling and never met a stranger. He also enjoyed walking and staying in shape. Sam and his family built and remodeled many houses in the Byesville/Cambridge area, the last one located on Georgetown Road.

He was very spiritual and attended multiple churches in the area.

Sam loved his granddaughter & great-grandchildren dearly. He treasured the time spent watching them play in their various sports.

His constant companion through all of life’s ups and downs was his faithful wife, Joan Marie (Oliver) Buckey. They met in Ava at the Lone Elm Truck Stop and were later married on June 30, 1963 in a small church in Byesville. Sadly, Joan would leave Sam on June 29, 2006. In addition to his parents and his wife, Sam is preceded in death by two brothers, Delmar and William; three sisters, Betty Wood, Virginia Ginn, and Sarah Rock; his in-laws, Verneda Yontz Peluso, Ohler Oliver, and Eugene Oliver; and his beloved dog, Nona.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Carla (& Jeff) Grimes of Senecaville; a granddaughter, Tiffany (& Brian) Pulliam of Granville; a brother, James (& Janis) Buckey of Mansfield; three half-brothers, Mark (& Shirley) Buckey of Tennessee, David (& Connie) Buckey of Oklahoma, and Paul Buckey of Tennessee; a half-sister, Judy Keyser of Massillon; a brother-in-law, Larry Oliver of Georgia; four great-grandchildren, Taylor, Bentley, Tenley, and Beckham, who all could do no wrong – Sam spoiled them and made all over them; his lifelong best friend, Bill (& Cathy) Yontz and his family of Byesville; his close friends, Skip Jacobs, Jim Adams, and Tony; numerous business associates; and his extended family in Noble County.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Oak Pointe for the excellent care they provided to Sam during his time there.

Sam always planned to write a book about his journey in this lifetime, but it was always tomorrow…

Graveside services and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Byesville, on Monday (August 12, 2024) at 1 p.m. with Rev. Nancy Parsons officiating. Black-Epperson Funeral Home, Byesville, is handling the arrangements.

The family is planning to hold a celebration of life for Sam at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Sam’s name to any charity of your choice.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.black-eppersonfuneralhomes.com