Dennis James Buckley

Dennis James Buckley, age 98, passed away in Durham following several months of declining health. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late William J. Buckley and Annie Inman Buckley. In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jane Z. Buckley, and his twin brother, Lawrence Buckley.

Dennis was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating from the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1944. He served in the United States Naval Air Corps during World War II, and attended both the University of Maryland and the Johns Hopkins University, graduating from the latter with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dennis spent his career with the Chevron Chemical Corporation, first in the Synthetic Fibers Division based in Maryland and later in Management Information Systems based in San Francisco.

Dennis and Jane retired in 1987 to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where Dennis continued to live following Jane’s death in 1999. He served as a Docent with the Coastal Discovery Museum, and volunteered with Second Helpings (a food distribution organization), the Navy League and various ministries associated with First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island.

Dennis was an avid sailor, belonging to several sailing associations in Maryland and South Carolina, and he instilled this lifelong passion for sail in his children. He sailed competitively on the Chesapeake Bay, and served as Navigator on numerous ocean races. During his retirement, he also enjoyed playing golf.

After his relocation to Durham in 2012, Dennis continued his volunteerism as a Docent with Bennett Place Historical Site, with Urban Ministries Kitchen and with the audio ministry at First Presbyterian Church, where he was a member. Dennis made friends everywhere and was well known for his logical brain, quick wit and winning smile. His passing leaves a gaping void in the lives of his family and friends.

Dennis is survived by his children, Barbara Buckley (Scott Randell) of Durham, Elizabeth McKeehan (John) of Waynesville, and William Buckley (Tamara) of Stockton, California; grandchildren, Rachel Randell (Zachary Damweber) of Durham, Jacqueline Randell (Marco Rönning) of Brooklyn, New York, John “Jack” McKeehan, III, of Denver, Colorado, and Sydney Buckley and William Buckley of Stockton, California; and great-grandchildren, Ezra Damweber, Silas Damweber, and Viggo Rönning.

A private graveside service with military honors will be held for Dennis at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens in Timonium, Maryland. A celebration of his life will be held at 11 am on August 16th at First Presbyterian Church, 305 East Main Street, Durham.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dennis’ name may be made to Bennett Place, 4409 Bennett Memorial Road, Durham, NC 27705, or to First Presbyterian Church, 305 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701.