Kevin Danner Buckheister

Kevin Danner Buckheister was born in Charleston, SC on June 4, 1984, son of Joe and Kay Buckheister. Kevin passed away in his sleep on February 8, 2024 with his mother sleeping in the room with him as she did every night. Kevin was his mother's "little angel" and his father's "little boy!" 

Kevin was a special needs child and so special in many ways! He began having seizures at the age of nine months. Although slow to walk and talk, he was able to communicate with others. If you knew Kevin, you were "touched" by him in so many ways. He never met a stranger. 

Kevin spent his entire school life in special education. He was blessed with great teachers, both in elementary and high school. Kevin graduated from St. John's High School in 2004. 

Kevin enjoyed the small things in life. He loved to go out to dinner (usually to his favorite, Captain D's) on Friday nights with his mom and dad, and then to go shopping afterwards. 

Kevin grew up on Johns Island where he enjoyed driving his golf cart, hitting golf balls, shooting basketball and helping his granddaddy, Seabrook, with yard work. Kevin enjoyed spending time at Seabrook Island with his grandparents, swimming in the pool, looking for golf balls and going out to dinner. He especially enjoyed playing nine holes at Shadowmoss Plantation on a Sunday afternoon with his dad and uncle Joe.  He enjoyed summer vacations in Myrtle Beach with his family and the Pattersons.

When Kevin was 19 years old, doctors at MUSC found a malignant brain tumor. He was operated on immediately and the tumor was found to be Glioblastoma. Due to the tumor he lost his eyesight. Doctors then told us he probably had approximately eight to nine months to live. He then had six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy.

To say the least, Kevin beat all odds and lived another 20 years. He continued to enjoy his summers at Folly Beach, playing bocce with Big Louie, putting golf balls on the sand with uncle Roy, swimming in the ocean with his brother Brooks and building sand castles with his sister Rachel.

Kevin enjoyed traveling with his parents to see Kenny Chesney in concert and to Columbia to see George Strait. He was able to see Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Elton John, Alan Jackson and others! Kevin enjoyed NASCAR and got to go to a race in Charlotte where he saw his favorite driver, Tony Stewart. 

He enjoyed RiverDog baseball games at The Joe and the fireworks afterwards. He especially enjoyed viewing the game from "Uncle Vince's" sky box (which he referred to as the hotel) with family and friends. And, of course, the visits from Charlie the RiverDog!

Kevin was a huge baseball fan and loved the Atlanta Braves. A family friend arranged for he and his family to meet John Smoltz, the Hall of Fame pitcher for the Braves. We arrived at Atlanta Stadium and were met by a young lady who escorted us to the Braves dressing room. We were told to stay in the interview room while she went to get Mr. Smoltz. He came out, talked to Kevin for a few minutes and excused himself. He went back into the locker room, came back out a few minutes later and presented Kevin with his number 29 game jersey. He then signed it, "God Bless, John Smoltz." This jersey is proudly displayed in his bedroom today.

He also received several visits at home from Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees. On one visit, Brett presented Kevin with his baseball bat and signed it, "Brett Gardner 2009 WS Champs." And on another visit, presented Kevin with his glove and signed baseball. These "keepsakes" are also displayed in his room.  And, he also has a signed ball and bat from our own, Matt Wieters (Baltimore Orioles).

Kevin was able to go on two cruises with his parents, family and Gracie, his loving caregiver for nearly twenty years, right beside him the entire time. 

The past several years of his life were difficult. Kevin became completely immobile and eventually nonverbal. He was in and out of the hospital on several occasions but he refused to give up. Kevin was a true soldier and fought life to the very end. Many referred to him as "one tough little fellow." 

Kevin is survived by his parents, Joe and Kay Buckheister; his brother, Joseph S. "Brooks" Buckheister; his sister, Rachel Rooke (Charles); and niece, Jessica Rooke all of Johns Island. He is also survived by his little Shih Tzu, Teddy; and his caregiver/"second mother", Gracie Smiley. 

The family will receive friends Monday, February 12, 2024 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2024 in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 405 King Street at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be later in Bethany Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 405 King Street, Charleston, SC 29403 or to the Ronald McDonald House, 81 Gadsden Street, Charleston, SC 29401.