Clarence M. Keziah Jr., better known as “Buck,” age 70, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at his home on October 4, 2026. Born on February 13, 1956, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Clarence and Eunice Keziah. Buck grew up in North Charlotte, was a member along with his family of Independence Hill Baptist Church, and graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1974. During these years, he developed a deep love for his family, the outdoors, animals, fishing, hot rods, and trains.

After high school, Buck worked briefly at Patterson Heating and Cooling before answering the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1977. He proudly achieved the rank of Buck Sergeant, making lifelong friends while serving as a ground transportation technician at Chanute, Pope, Clark, and Shaw Air Force Bases. For his meritorious service, he was awarded two Air Force Commendation Medals and received an honorable discharge in 1982.

Returning to civilian life in North Carolina, Buck built a respected 20-plus-year career as a forklift serviceman for the Lift One division of Carolina Tractor and Equipment Company in Charlotte, building countless friendships with coworkers and customers. Outside of work, he enjoyed piddling at home, camping and fishing with his kids, listening to southern rock, and building model railroad layouts.

Later, Buck became heavily involved with the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury VA Medical Center. Some would affectionately refer to him as the “face of the VA.”  As a double amputee determined not to let his wheelchair slow him down, he became a celebrated wheelchair athlete. He competed and medaled at the Veterans Wheelchair Games and Golden Age Games in multiple sports, including bowling, horseshoes, and billiards, deeply impacting the people at VA and his bowling community at Woodleaf Lanes in Salisbury. Known as a true southern gentleman, Buck had a kind heart, a warm smile, a great sense of humor, and a genuine interest in others.  To any difficulty in life, his advice was always, “Ain’t nothing but a thing.”

Of all his titles, his favorites were Dad and Pawpaw. Buck loved his family tremendously and is survived by his former spouses, Susan Jolly and Julie Lawing; his children, Ray Keziah, Adam Keziah (Donna), Irene Smith (Ryan), and Jessie Keziah (Mari); cherished grandchildren, Arsenio, Jaliyah, CaroleAnne, Isaiah, Jenavive (Cody), Amaya, Maddox, Kaiden, Kyle, Maverik, and Maven; and great-grandsons, Jay and Waylon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his girlfriend, Barbara.

A celebration of life service will be held on October 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home in China Grove, NC. A military service will follow at a later date at the Salisbury National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Buck’s memory to a local veterans organization of your choice.

Carolina Cremation is honored to be serving the Keziah family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.