William Buck

William Matthew Palmer Buck, Jr., age 80 of Nashville, passed away August 7, 2015 at Vanderbilt Medical Center.Mr. Buck was born in Tuskegee, AL on August 7, 1935, and was the son of the late William Matthew Palmer Buck, Sr., of Tuskegee, AL and Laura Buck McCray of Nashville, TN.He is survived by his sister: Sylvia Buck Bryant of Montclair, NJ; brother: Earl Buck of Central Islip, NY; nieces: Shanta Bryant Gyan of Maplewood, NJ and Laura Bryant Njanga of Alexandria, VA; nephews: Anthony Bryant of Teaneck, NJ; grandniece: Laura Gyan of Maplewood, NJ; grandnephews: Albert Gyan Jr. of Maplewood, NJ and Jean-Daniel Njanga of Alexandria, VA; in-laws:Villa Buck of of Central Islip, NY, Albert Gyan of Maplewood, NJ and Joel Njanga of Alexandria, VA; extended family friends: Ernest and Jannis Hackney of Nashville, TN and Keith and Missy Sovine of Nashville, TN; and many special friends from "the Gazebo".Born and raised in the historic town of Tuskegee, Alabama to a family of medical professionals and educators, Mr. Buck - known to family members as "Sonny" - moved to Nashville, TN in the late-1970s to be near family. He was a professional jazz musician who specialized in playing the saxophone. He attended Alabama State University where he was a music major. An eclectic array of musical genres ranging from jazz to classical to blues was a constant fixture in his home. He was a member of the Nashville Musicians Association.After moving to the Villa Maria Manor, a senior community in Belle Meade, Mr. Buck was a beloved figure among the residents. He was the first to remember birthdays and special occasions and was always available to lend a helping hand to others. For several years, Mr. Buck shared his musical gifts by regularly playing his saxophone for residents living with Alzheimer’s at Mary, Queen of Angels assisted living center. He also played the saxophone at Caesar’s Ristorante Italiano, a local pizzeria near his residence.A devout Catholic, Mr. Buck was a member of St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church where he occasionally played music and participated in the worship service. At St. Ann's, he became a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.
William Matthew Palmer Buck Jr. will be laid to rest at the Calvary Cemetery in Nashville, TN.
The family asks that memorial donations be made in his honor to Knights of Columbus, St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 5101 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209.NASHVILLE FUNERAL AND CREMATION 615-256-1605