August Phillip "Bucky" Schlemmer Jr.

August Phillip Bucky Schlemmer, age 86, went home to be with his Lord on Oct 4, 2019, surrounded by his loving family in his home in Ocala. Bucky was a loving husband, devoted father, great friend, and a wonderful mentor. He was born in Inverness, Florida, August 29, 1933, to August Phillip Schlemmer and Sarah Abalene Crevasse Schlemmer. They moved to Tampa during his grade school years then to Cedar Key. When his mother wanted him to graduate from a big high school, she sent him to live with his sister and brother-in-law (Carrie Joe and Ned Folks), where he worked on their farm and graduated from Dunnellon High School in 1951. After high school, Bucky continued his adult life with many interesting and exciting pursuits that led to his full and wonderful life. His enlistment in the US Air Force led to a military adventure that would take him across the Pacific Ocean to Korea. Serving in the U.S. Air Force as an aviation mechanic, he developed a deep appreciation and love of aviation. He continued to study planes and often recalled the thrill of flying in military aircraft, and his enjoyment and heart pounding moments when he was taxiing the big war birds around the tarmac. When Bucky returned from serving in the Airforce, he lived for a while in Gainesville, Florida working for Baird Hardware in the Marine Department selling all types of boats, motors, and boating supplies. Gainesville was also the place where he became reacquainted with a family friend who was the woman that would forever change his life. Charlene Rogers captured Buckys heart and they were married October 5, 1956. They soon moved to Tampa where Bucky began his sales career in insurance. After being in Tampa several years, their oldest daughter Anita Jo, was born. Shortly after her birth the trio moved back home to the Dunnellon area where their youngest daughter, Sheila Gayle was born. The two baby girls gave Bucky a newfound purpose, and being a father strengthened his loving commitment to family and the Lord. In the late 60s Bucky and Charlene owned and operated the Gulf Sports Center in Dunnellon. The Gulf Oil Corporation full-service gas station was also where they sold and serviced boats and Evinrude motors, as well as all types of bait and tackle. During this late 1960 period, Dunnellon was known as the Bass Capital. Buckys love of the water was always apparent whether fishing, water skiing, or just spending time on a boat with the family. Water skiing and dirt bike riding were additional hobbies during this time in Buckys life. In the 70s Bucky was a hard-working salesman in the manufactured home industry. He was successful at selling wholesale products to manufacturing companies in the state of Florida and in southern Georgia. His successful sales endeavors resulted in an all-expense paid trip to Acapulco; this memorable vacation for Bucky and Charlene was one of the few times they ventured from their home in Florida. There were numerous memories shared with family and friends centered around Buckys hunting and hunting camp adventures. Based on all the hunting stories Bucky told, you might have thought his major career was hunting. Bucky had a love of all genres of music from Merle Haggard to Andrea Bocelli; he thoroughly enjoyed it all. Music was special with his wife Charlene; with his two daughters Anita Jo and Sheila (ask them about music until mid-night many times during their childhood and later the live concerts with the whole family); with his grandson Clinton who sang with and played guitar for his grandfather; ask good friends who were always there with him listening to music. Bucky retired when he was in his mid-60s and became an avid golfer. He then spent much of the latter part of his life enjoying time on the golf course. After retiring, Bucky and Charlene returned to Cedar Key where he tried his hand at clamming, with several leases in the waters off Cedar Key. He braved the cold winter water, sharks and stingrays to bring in his harvest of World-famous Cedar Key Clams. A devoted member of Christ Church of Cedar Key, Bucky served in various capacities with the Church. He also participated in his community by serving on the Historical Society of Cedar Key and the Cemetery Committee. Bucky had an outgoing personality; he seldom met a person who was not an immediate friend. When down, he would give you a hug that would make your troubles disappear, When up, he would call the party together so the good feelings would spread throughout. He was always available to family and friends for fun and/or help. And, do not forget that Bucky was a lifelong Gator fan who will always be there saying GO GATORS! Bucky was preceded in death by his Father-August Phillip Schlemmer, Sr.; Mother-Sarah Abalene Crevasse Schlemmer; and three sisters-Harriet Schlemmer Knight, Lily Mena Clack, and Carrie Joe Folks. Bucky is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlene; Daughters Anita Jo and Sheila; Grandson Clinton; and Great-Granddaughter Lilly Eden. A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church of Cedar Key Friday, October 11, 2019 at 3:00 PM and will be followed by a Graveside service at The Cedar Key Cemetery. The family will be hosting friends for a Memorial Reception at the Cedar Key Community Center (Corner of 6th Street and F Street), following the services at the Cemetery. We will miss the man, Husband, father and friend. The Lord gave us Bucky for 86 years. We wanted more, but God called him home. If friends would like to make Donations in lieu of Flowers, they can be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Key.

August Phillip "Bucky" Schlemmer Jr.

August 29, 1933 - October 4, 2019