Raymond "Bucky" T. Kees' Obituary
KEES, Raymond “Bucky” T., age 68, of Waynesville and formerly of Morrow and Clarksville, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Bethesda North Hospital after battling cancer.
Hauling freight for most of his adult life, Bucky retired in 2023 from JT Express in Middletown working more than 40 years.
Easy-going, funny, caring, humble, and giving, Bucky never complained and loved telling stories of the places he visited and people he met while working on the road. He loved spending time in his barn, playing music from his vinyl record collection. In addition, he often had friends over for card nights in his barn, which he always looked forward to. Tinkering around the house, keeping his yard well-kept, and watching Westerns on TV were some of his other hobbies. He especially enjoyed Westerns featuring John Wayne. Along with his wife, Bucky had a tradition of going on drives, always taking the backroads, to savor the view and serenity of the country. At the beginning of Covid, Bucky and his family started camping, which was becoming a tradition that they wished they had started years early due to how much fun he was having with his daughter and grandchildren. They recently camped at Torch Lake in Michigan, where they enjoyed boating, grilling out, and campfires. They also traveled on a family vacation to Hilton Head Island and Savannah, Georgia, which Bucky often talked about fondly. Other fond traditions that he enjoyed included cooking the turkey during Thanksgiving, family get-togethers during birthdays, Memorial Day weekend, and other special events. Bucky was known for his chicken wings, shrimp, lobster and several other delectables on the grill. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of music via vinyl records, his collection of VHS movies, and his vast array of ball hats. Bucky had a very giving heart and was able to help two people see again through the donation of his corneas.
Bucky was preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bob” Kees Sr. and Louise Kees; one brother, Robert “Bobby” Kees Jr; and his sister, Carol Crites. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jeannie; daughter, Brittany (Austin) Tackett; grandchildren, Collin and Caeleigh; two sisters, Judy (Jim) Halsey and Helen (Bill) Wilson; mother-in-law, Jennie L. Runyon; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family member, and close friends.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, November 16 at McCoy’s Place located at 1130 Gurneyville Rd, Wilmington, OH. The family will receive friends 11 AM – 1 PM at the McCoy’s Place. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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