Larry E. Buckner, Sr.

Larry E. Buckner, Sr., 84, of Lorton, Virginia and King George, Virginia died peacefully at home on January 22, 2023. 

Larry was a beloved husband, father, papaw, and great-grandfather who loved providing for others, as well as life’s simple joys like hunting, fishing, eating crabs, and cutting grass. He gave generously to his community throughout his life, serving as a member of the Masonic Lodge Occoquan Chapter #310 AF&AM, past president of the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department, and founder of the Pear Mount Hunt Club. Perhaps his greatest impact on the broader community is seen in the numerous lives he touched as he successfully led the wine wholesale distributor Service Distributing, Inc. through five decades of change. 

Born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Larry attended Mount Vernon High School. In 1958 he married Joyce, the love of his life, whom he had met at school. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows in 1998. Joyce passed away in 2007, after 48 years of marriage. 

Larry was hired at Service Distributing, Inc. in March of 1968, when he was 29. He was a naturally talented businessman; quiet yet witty, he knew when to speak up, when to listen, and when to take risks. He purchased full ownership of the company in 2006, served as president of the Virginia Wine Wholesalers Association, and was the driving force behind making Service Distributing, Inc. one of the top wine wholesale distributors in the state. After 54 years of dedication and hard work, he sold the business in May of 2022.

He is survived by his two sons, Larry E. Buckner, Jr. (Brenda) and Dennis E. Buckner (Gracie) and two daughters, Vicky L. Devers (Mike) and Terry L. Morgan (Mark). He is also survived by his grandchildren — Chad Devers, Blair Clark, Hunter Devers, Jordan Devers, Larry Buckner III, Lindsey Reynolds, Brittany Inzeo, Blaise Buckner, Savanna Duca, Baron Buckner, Luray Buckner, Senika Buckner, Mary Jane Buckner, Luke Buckner, Alexandra Gibson, Brook Hicks, AshLynn Morgan, and Mark Morgan, Jr., as well as 19 great-grandchildren and his companion Carolyn Sudduth. 

Throughout his life, Larry amazed many people with his business leadership, powers of observation, wit, and generosity. He was a man who loved being outside and appreciated Virginia’s rural beauty, who understood the value of hard work, and who lived for his family. One of his favorite places to be was on his tractor mowing grass at his farmhouse in King George. He leaves behind an unrepeatable legacy of love, hard work, and practical wisdom, and will be greatly missed by family and friends. 

On January 28, 2023, Larry’s family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. at Covenant Funeral Service, 10830 Patriot Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

Friends are also welcome at the funeral service, to be held at 2 p.m. on January 28, 2023 at the Covenant Funeral Service Chapel with Pastor Watson Morgan Jr. officiating.

The burial will be family-only at the Buckner Family Cemetery in King George, Virginia.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation at 1301 Connecticut Ave., Glen Allen, VA 23060, or the American Lung Foundation at 55 W. Wacker Dr. Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.