Ralph Buckner Jr.
Funeral Service Professional
Ralph Buckner Jr. is a lifelong resident of Cleveland and a respected funeral service professional, businessman, and community leader known for his commitment to compassionate care, integrity, and service. As the returning owner and operator of Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation, Buckner Jr. brings decades of leadership experience and a deep dedication to serving families throughout Bradley County and surrounding communities.
Buckner Jr. is a graduate of Cleveland State Community College and Tennessee Wesleyan University. He later earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Emory University, strengthening his background in business leadership, finance, and community-focused management.
Before entering the funeral service profession, Ralph Buckner Jr. spent 15 years working as a local banker, where he developed a reputation for professionalism, trustworthiness, and personal service. His experience in banking gave him a strong understanding of financial planning and the importance of helping families make informed decisions during significant moments in life.
In 1996, Buckner Jr. founded Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, establishing a funeral service business centered on compassion, dignity, and affordability. Under his leadership, the funeral home became recognized for personalized care and a commitment to treating every family with respect and understanding.
Family has always been central to Ralph Buckner Jr's life and values. He is married to Chari Cross Buckner, who serves as Regional Customer Service Director for Tennessee Valley Authority. Together, they have built a family deeply rooted in education, leadership, and service.
Their son, Dr. Ralph Brandon Buckner II, is a professor of English. Their daughter, Stella Buckner, works as a recruiter for the University of Oregon. Another daughter, Paris Buckner, serves as a client representative for Wasserman. The Buckner family also honors the memory of Shipley Buckner, whom they tragically lost in 2010.
Raised in a family with longstanding ties to the Cleveland community, Buckner Jr. learned early the importance of service, faith, and helping others during difficult times. These values continue to guide his work today as he reopens Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation with a renewed mission to provide affordable, transparent, and meaningful funeral and cremation services.
Throughout his career, Buckner Jr. has remained dedicated to supporting families with empathy, professionalism, and integrity. His vision for Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is to ensure that every family-regardless of financial circumstances—has access to respectful and high-quality end-of-life care.
Today, Ralph Buckner Jr. continues to serve the Cleveland community with the same principles that have defined his life and career: compassion, trust, dignity, and a genuine commitment to helping others.
Ralph Buckner Jr.
Funeral Service Professional
Ralph Buckner Jr. is a lifelong resident of Cleveland and a respected funeral service professional, businessman, and community leader known for his commitment to compassionate care, integrity, and service. As the returning owner and operator of Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation, Buckner Jr. brings decades of leadership experience and a deep dedication to serving families throughout Bradley County and surrounding communities.
Buckner Jr. is a graduate of Cleveland State Community College and Tennessee Wesleyan University. He later earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Emory University, strengthening his background in business leadership, finance, and community-focused management.
Before entering the funeral service profession, Ralph Buckner Jr. spent 15 years working as a local banker, where he developed a reputation for professionalism, trustworthiness, and personal service. His experience in banking gave him a strong understanding of financial planning and the importance of helping families make informed decisions during significant moments in life.
In 1996, Buckner Jr. founded Ralph Buckner Funeral Home, establishing a funeral service business centered on compassion, dignity, and affordability. Under his leadership, the funeral home became recognized for personalized care and a commitment to treating every family with respect and understanding.
Family has always been central to Ralph Buckner Jr's life and values. He is married to Chari Cross Buckner, who serves as Regional Customer Service Director for Tennessee Valley Authority. Together, they have built a family deeply rooted in education, leadership, and service.
Their son, Dr. Ralph Brandon Buckner II, is a professor of English. Their daughter, Stella Buckner, works as a recruiter for the University of Oregon. Another daughter, Paris Buckner, serves as a client representative for Wasserman. The Buckner family also honors the memory of Shipley Buckner, whom they tragically lost in 2010.
Raised in a family with longstanding ties to the Cleveland community, Buckner Jr. learned early the importance of service, faith, and helping others during difficult times. These values continue to guide his work today as he reopens Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation with a renewed mission to provide affordable, transparent, and meaningful funeral and cremation services.
Throughout his career, Buckner Jr. has remained dedicated to supporting families with empathy, professionalism, and integrity. His vision for Buckner & Fike Funeral Home and Cremation is to ensure that every family-regardless of financial circumstances—has access to respectful and high-quality end-of-life care.
Today, Ralph Buckner Jr. continues to serve the Cleveland community with the same principles that have defined his life and career: compassion, trust, dignity, and a genuine commitment to helping others.