Arthur Ray "Art" Buckalew, 81, of Art's Flower and Gift Shop, Dunbar peacefully passed away on February 26 surrounded by friends and family.

He was the son of the late Claphus and Nona Buckalew. Art opened the flower shop in 1956. Since then he has employed, volunteered, and helped his community in many different ways. He was a member of the Dunbar AF & AM Masonic Lodge #159, American Legion, Dunbar Lions Club, Beni Kedem Shriner as a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court III, Beni Kedem Clowns, Scottish Rite, and many more. Art served his country in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

The community will never be the same, but we are at peace knowing he is home with the Lord.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Drema Smithers and Norma Hughes.

Art is survived by his children, Arthur Buckalew Jr., Michael Buckalew, Sheli Williams, and Meri Frady; and grandchildren, Jamie, Jessica, Bradley, Wyatt, Grant, and Breanna.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 29 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar with James Branham officiating. Burial will be held at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.

A celebration of Art's life will be held at Art's Flower and Gift Shop immediately after the service.

Art's Flower and Gift Shop will be open during normal business hours and will have extended hours Sunday, February 28th, to accommodate customers.