Alman Lamar "Al" Buckalew, Jr., died on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. Al was born on December 3, 1946 in Columbia to Alman Lamar Buckalew and Emily Arden Spigner Buckalew.

Al grew up in Columbia, was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, attended local schools, and graduated from AC Flora, Class of 1965. He earned his BS from Clemson University in 1969. While at Clemson, Al pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a pilot, and acquired his private pilot's license prior to graduating. He was an active member of the Clemson Naval ROTC, and, upon graduation, was commissioned a Lieutenant (jg) into the US Naval Flight Training Program in Pensacola, Florida, where he was awarded his wings. He was then stationed at Alameda Naval Base, Alameda, California, where he was an aeronautics instructor specializing in departure and landing on aircraft carriers.

Following his naval career, Al remained in California and enjoyed a successful career in sales with McNeil Pharmaceuticals and Smithers Oasis. He was an avid world traveler and remained a private aeronautics instructor in retirement. He returned to Columbia in 2007 to be closer to his family.

Al is survived by two sisters, Leila B. "Lee" Mancini (James M. Mancini) of Columbia, and Julia B. "Julie" Jackson (Julius L. Jackson, Jr.) of Wedgefield; a niece, Allison Mancini Gallagher (George D. Gallagher); a nephew, James Michael Mancini, Jr. (Jordan S. Mancini), all of Columbia; and niece, Emily Lamar Jackson of Charleston.

A memorial service for Mr. Buckalew will be held 1:30 o'clock, Sunday, January 17th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road, Columbia with The Rev. J. Fletcher Montgomery officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. Interment in Ft. Jackson National Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 2827 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC 29205.

The family would like to thank the truly loving caregivers at Magnolia Manor for their dedication and love for Al.