Phillip “Bucky” Wampler, 65, of Salem, a loving husband, brother, father of two children and grandfather of one special little girl, passed away in his sleep at home with family on Wednesday, December 8. Bucky was born October 19, 1956, in Waynesboro, Virginia, to the late Dan and Mozelle Wampler. He was a graduate of Glenvar High School where he met his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Sherry Chisom.
He was a caring and compassionate man who never met a stranger and proudly served our community at Hammerhead Hardware for 45 years. Bucky started the hardware business in 1976 beside his father’s and brother’s convenient store. Later, he and his brother co-owned the hardware store that has been a long-time fixture in Salem. Bucky and Dennis loved to serve their customers, along with longtime co-worker Bill Chauncey. Bucky was known for his tender heart, smile, and his love for his fur babies throughout his life, the most current, cats Twitch and Grey.
After a long day, he still had time for his family to play ball or watch a funny movie. In later years, if you could not find him at work, he was either at the beach, golfing, or fishing. He was also a huge fan of music and Pink Floyd was his favorite band.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Wilbert Chisom.
Those left to treasurer Bucky’s memory are his wife Sherry and his beloved children, son Travis (Krystal); daughter Casey; granddaughter Skylar Gray; brother Dennis; mother-in-law Virginia Chisom; sister-in-law Debbie (Ed) Crawford; niece Leigh Frensley (Troy); nephew Will Crawford (Heather); great nieces Rosalie and Oceana Frensley, and great nephew Declan Crawford.
A gathering of friends will be held Monday, December 20, at 6:00 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, with a memorial service to follow beginning at 7:00 pm. Casual dress is requested.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. An online guestbook is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
