Sue Ellen (Callaway) Buckman

Sue Ellen Callaway Buckman, 77, passed away Friday November 23, 2018 at Athens Piedmont Regional Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on January 8, 1941 in Washington, GA. to the late Herbert Moses and SaNelle (Nash) Callaway of Philomath, GA.

Sue Ellen attended Meson Academy and was a graduate of Oglethorpe County High School class of 1959 where she served as the Senior class President. She enjoyed the comradery and the memories she made with her classmates playing basketball, cheerleading, and participating in various clubs and activities.

In 1959 she married her best friend of many years, Major (Ret.) John H. Buckman III, US Army.  Johnny and Sue Ellen had four children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, her children John “Bucky” H. Buckman IV (Sherry) of Richmond Hill, GA, Herbert “Bert” C. Buckman Sr. (Dorothy) of Philomath, GA, William “Bill” T. Buckman Sr. (Cassandra) of James Island, SC, and Suzanna Buckman Shiver (Ed) of Savannah, GA.; her grandchildren Jessica Sikes, Amanda Buckman Parris (Patrick), Brittney Jane Buckman, Herbert C. Buckman Jr., Beau Buckman Shiver, Elizabeth Buckman Berndt (Cody), Sarah Ellen Shiver, Midshipman USN William T. Buckman Jr. and five beautiful great grandchildren Aurora Jane Parris, Eleanor “Ellie” Grace Trowell, Evelyn Marie Parris, Cody Allen Berndt Jr., and Thomas Wade Berndt.

Throughout her 59 years of marriage, Sue Ellen served many roles; military wife of 20 years, homemaker, and caregiver to many. As Vice President of Buck’s Greenhouse in Savannah, GA., she managed the wholesale division for over 20 years. Upon retirement in 2001, she and Johnny moved back to Oglethorpe County where they enjoyed renovating the family home in Philomath, GA.

Sue Ellen was active in the Historic Oglethorpe Preservation Association, was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and served as Treasurer. She took great pride in reconnecting with her community and co-founded the non-profit organization responsible for restoration of the historic Philomath Presbyterian Church.

The family will receive visitors from 4 to 6 Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Lord and Stephens, East Athens location. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at County Line Baptist Church, 3210 Walker Rd, Rayle, GA. with the Rev. J. Terry Kenney officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at the Historic Philomath Presbyterian Church.  Those who wish, may make a donation in memory of Sue Ellen to the Historic Philomath Presbyterian Church Association C/O Treasurer, Lawrence Nash, 2302 Crawfordville Rd, Rayle, GA 30660.