Vernon Ray “Buck” Hamric, of Tate Creek, Frametown, passed on Saturday, May 29, after a 3-month long battle with cancer.  As was his wishes, he passed at home surrounded by his family.

He was born January 22, 1950 to the late Guy Vernon Hamric and Pearl Jarvis Hamric.  The most important thing in his life was his family and his cherished family included his wife, Debbie; children, Jason and Amy Hamric of Frametown, Travis Hamric and companion Erin Mitchell,  of Frametown, Stacey Huffman, and fiance’ Randy Mangold of Keyser, WV, Caleb and Kim Hamric of Duck, WV; Pappy of nine Grandchildren, Curtis, Kendal and Jayla Hamric; Dylan Morris; Talan and Tanner Hamric; Logan Huffman; Hudson and Olive Hamric; sisters, Wynema Clendenney of Orange Park FL, and Sherry Stevens of  Loudon, Tennessee; mother-in-law, Anna Stahlman; and sister-in-law, Diane Slack of Dover, OH. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Fay Dunlap; sister, Betty Linden; and infant brothers.

He was a member of the Long Run Baptist Church.  He was a member of Braxton County Farm Bureau, National Cattlemen’s Association, and the American Angus Association.  He helped teach Braxton County youth how to raise quality animals by leading the Heifer and Pig projects thru the 4-H program.

Buck and Debbie were married June 10, 1972, and started Hamric Farms, raising commercial cattle.  They later began a registered Angus herd, and he continued farming up until his death.   He had a deep love of farming, being a good steward of the land, and treating animals humanly.  He began farming with horses and ponies as soon as he was big enough to get on a pony, and later switched to tractors.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, whether it was taking them for side-by-side rides, or helping them break and show cattle.  He had a love of reading about Alaska, and enjoyed his vacation there.

He was a member of Ironworkers 301, and helped build numerous large structures, including the New River Gorge Bridge.  He was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1969 and served in Vietnam until he was wounded in 1970, receiving the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Expert Marksmanship Award—USMC.

In lieu of flowers, the family has started a memorial fund in his honor for youth pursuing their career in agriculture.  He also had a soft spot for abandoned animals, so part of the memorial will be used toward their plight.  Contributions can be made  through Kathy Given at the Premier Bank, Gassaway at 304-364-5138.

Funeral service will be 1 P.M Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Pastors Robey Godfrey and Rick Hart officiating.

Visitation will be three hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment with Military Rites will be in the David Hamric Memorial Cemetery, Tate Creek.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.