Johnny Lee Buckson was born on July 5, 1932, in Chester, South Carolina to Robert and A. Janie Buckson. He was one of six children born from this union, (James, Leslie and Joe preceded him in death), Lilly and Artis.

John affectionately called Corn Bread was educated in Baltimore City Public Schools and Dunbar High School. After school, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War. After he was discharged from the Army, John became a Baltimore City Fire Fighter.

John not only completed the training, but went on to pave the way for numerous candidates, he was proud of his ability to mentor numerous young people to join the Fire Department. John retired in 1986 after 30 plus years of service to the people of Baltimore.

In January 1958, he married Ercell Shaw and out of this union five children, Anita Cheryl, Malik Lee, Katrina, Jennifer and Adrienne. John was a loving husband, a caring father, great grandfather and a good great grandfather. His favorite hobbies were playing the lottery and watching sports on TV.

John was among the first black Fire Fighters in Baltimore City. He had eleven people that went into training with but, he was the only one remained with the Fire Department for 30 plus years.

He leaves to mourn his wife; Ercell, four daughters and a son; three granddaughters, Jacqueline Marie, Amber Renee, Catrina and one grandson, Wayne Aubrey Jr; several great grandchildren; and his two sisters, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.