Mr. Rufus G. “Buck” Saul, age 79, of 3146 Altamahaw Race Track Road went home to be with family and friends Tuesday January 30, 2007.

Buck was an open and friendly man, born and raised in Altamahaw from a family based on a love of God and joy of life. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and sports. He loved softball and pitched for many years in his younger days.

He was a man of honest labor and worked at an early age on the family farm which later became homes of many of the brothers and sisters.

Buck began work with Burlington Industries and worked over 45 years until his retirement. He then enjoyed working part-time with Willie Saul and Son Plumbing.

He was active in his community and was always there when things needed to be done. He served family and friends equally and always did so with a smile.

Buck, along with many friends, was a charter member of the A.O. Fire Dept. He believed in the need for the Department and worked many hours raising the funds and providing training so others might be protected. He retired after many years from active volunteer service and later served on the Board of Directors.

He was a man of God. He had a faith that all could see and showed his faith in his daily walk without the use of pomp and circumstance. He was a lifetime member of Bethlehem Christian Church, Deacon Emeritus, served on the Cemetery Committee and also attended Berea Christian Church.

Buck was quite a family man. He was a strong believer in the unity of the extended family and raised us to stay close and enjoy each other as much as possible. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Johnny Faye Wilson Saul; daughter, Mendy and the late James Wallace; son, Jeff and wife Yvonne Davis Saul; daughter, Tammy and husband Eugene Petersen. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Deena, Michael, Jeffrey, Matt, Job and Grant. He was blessed with great-grandchildren, Bayleigh, Presley, Alston and Ethan. He is also survived by his sister, Nan. S. Page and brother, Rufus H. Saul. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. L. and Manie Evans Saul; brothers, Willie and Willard; sisters, Edna and Polly; and grandson James E. Wallace, Jr.

Our lives will never be the same without Buck, but the memory he has left with us will live on forever in the very fabric of this family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 3, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Bethlehem Christian Church in Altamahaw. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory from 5-8 PM Friday and at other times at the residence.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bethlehem Christian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 127, Altamahaw, NC 27202 or to a charity of your choice.