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Celebrating the life of

Richard J. (Dick) Buchner, Jr.

Passed away on January 09, 2026

Richard J. (Dick) Buchner, Jr.

Richard J. (Dick) Buchner, Jr. passed away on January 9, 2026 at home with his loving and devoted wife by his side. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and family member.
Dick was born in Savannah (where he lived most of his life) on September 28, 1940 at Telfair Hospital and was raised along with his older sister, Carol, and his two younger brothers, Jim and Paul.
He attended and graduated from Blessed Sacrament School and Benedictine Military School. He was accepted and received a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech in Atlanta.
Dick married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Eileen “Pug” Ryle, in 1962 at St. James Catholic Church. Together, they raised their two sons, Rick (III) and Dave, on Isle of Hope and The Landings on Skidaway Island, where they built one of the first homes on the island in 1972.
Many fun times with family and friends were shared playing tennis and boating to coastal islands, fishing, and swimming.
Subsequent to various employment in Savannah, in 1967 he joined Skidaway Institute of Oceanography as Chief Fiscal Officer where he worked 30 years.
At The Landings, he was a volunteer firefighter for 22 years, volunteer first responder for 15 years, board member and president of The Landings Association in the early 1980’s.
After retirement in 1997, he pursued his lifelong love of boating and the ocean with his wife at his side as first mate, on his 44 foot trawler, “The Great Life.” Their first years of cruising took them exploring the waterways north from Savannah to Maine, and south cruising both coasts of Florida, down to the Dry Tortugas and through the Bahamas to the Exumas. They completed their adventure by cruising the 6,000 mile Great Loop route, which circumnavigates the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada via inland waterways, rivers and the Great Lakes; this trip took just under a year and a half to complete.
In 2003 the next adventure took hold with a move to North Georgia to be nearer to family.
Living on the lake there required adjustment to fresh water fishing and boating as well as kayaking in the creeks and hiking in the mountains. He was a volunteer math teacher for several years with the Adult Literacy program in Dawsonville, Ga.
Being a devout Catholic all of his life, his involvement in the church included being an Eucharistic minister, a reader, and a member of the choir and Financial Committee.
He was a consummate “do-it-yourselfer" and kept his houses, boats, cars, and electronics, as well as those of family and friends, in good operating order.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard John, Sr. and Anne McDaniel Buchner, his sister Carol Mock, and his brothers Jim and Paul Buchner.
Dick is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Eileen, his sons, Rick III (Tracey), Dave, grandchildren Danielle and Walker, and extended family and friends.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 14 at St. James Catholic Church, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a reception after the services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. James “Charging Forward in Faith and Education Fund” in Dick’s name.

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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GUEST BOOK

Dick lived such an amazing life and had so alum adventures. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Michael and Sarah Rogge, Simi Valley, California

We are so sorry to hear about Dick. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers

- Bobby and Madeline Ryle, Shellman Bluff , , Georgia

We are deeply saddened by Dick's passing. He was a faithful servant of Christ whose life was a shining example of love and dedication. Dick participated in the life of St. James Catholic Church, and his commitment extended beyond the pews into his community. He was a volunteer firefighter, first responder, and adult math teacher. As an engaged father and husband, he embodied the virtues of love, patience, and strength. Dick's legacy of faith, love for family, trawler adventures, fishing stories, and his steadfast spirit will forever remain a beacon of hope for us. Eileen you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you and your family His peace during this difficult time. May the love of our parish family support and surround you. As Dick steps into eternal life, may he rest in the peace of Our Lord. We pray that you, his family, and friends find solace in the promise of eternal life. With heartfelt sympathy and love, Marie Goulet & Tim Kean

- Marie Goulet, Savannah, GA

To our wonderful family: Dick was a person of excellence in all he undertook. We loved him so much. May his memory be eternal. Rest in peace Dick. God bless, Peter and Bonnie

- Peter and Bonnie, Savannah, GA

Sorry to see that my BC classmate has pass away. Dick was a good guy. Prayers to his family!

- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga

Our heartfelt sympathy to Eileen, Rick, Dave and grandchildren on the loss of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. Our comfort is in the knowledge that Dick is in the loving embrace of our Lord, whom he served so diligently in life. May His love and grace surround all of you during this very difficult time and bring you comfort and peace. With our love and prayers for healing, Joe & Judy Villari

- Joe & Judy Villari, Trussville, AL

Eileen, I was so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. Please give my condolences to Ricky and David. May God's peace sustain you during this time and may God Bless you and family. Dick is now in God's hands and may perpetual light shine upon him.

- Carol Ray, SAVANNAH, GA

Rick, Marty and I send our condolences to you and Eileen. What a wonderful obituary. Such a beautiful and adventurous life.. Susan Connelly and Marty Johnson

- Connelly/Johnson, SAV , Ga

We would like to express our condolences to the Buchner family. As a friend of Dave Buchner, Dick and Eileen were like second parents to many of us that spent time in their home when we were teens. Dick Buchner was a role model for many of us young men by his positive actions as a father and husband. He left a positive impact on all of us. God has welcomed him with open arms!

- Villari Family, Odenville , Alabama

Upon retirement to Dawsonville Marsha and I met Dick and Eileen through a "Thursday Night Dinner Group" and shared many good times together. Being a native Savannahian too, we shared many fond memories (except that Dick went to BC and I went to SHS. But Eileen went to SHS too so that kept us on an even keel.) Dick was a true Southern Gentleman and as greatly admired by all who knew him. RIP, my friend, and sincere condolences to Eileen and the family.

- Bob and Marsha Inman, Dawsonville, GA

My condolences for the family. He had an amazing life with a wonderful family, my prayers to you all.

- Nancy Piette , Pfafftown , NC

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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