Dr. Melvin Roy Buckley, 83, of Brandon passed away Friday, July 21, 2023 at St. Dominic's Hospital.

Mel was born in Columbia, MS to the late Luther Melvin and Beatrice Lee Buckley. He attended Jackson Public Schools and graduated from Provine High School. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. From there he received his Master's Degree as well as his Doctorate in Education. During this time he was teaching at Columbia High School.

Mel, Sarah, and their children moved to Jonesboro, GA where he worked in the Jonesboro Public School System. They returned to Mississippi and resided in Columbia where he designed and built a home for his family. Mel worked in the Columbia school system and served as the Assistant Superintendent until he accepted the Superintendency in Newton, MS.

From there he went to Americus, GA and was superintendent for several years until he received an appointment at the University of Alabama in Birmingham in the Department of Education. After finishing his tenure at UAB, Mel moved to Natchez, MS serving as superintendent for seven years. Mel and Sarah moved to Brandon where he served as Executive Director of MS Professional Educators for 10 years.

They lived in Castlewoods where they built their home, living there for 29 years. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, collecting antique cars, and travelling at home and abroad. He was a member of the Rotary Club and Mercedes Club; and a member of St. Stephen's Anglican Church, Flowood.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Curtis Buckley; daughter, Bethany Anderson Buckley Bertolet; son, Timothy Andrew Buckley; four grandchildren; and Mel's beloved companion, Scooter.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Stephen's Anglican Church, 5049 Lakeland Drive, Flowood, MS 39232.