Thomas Franklin "Bucky" Sizemore Jr.

Thomas Franklin "Bucky" Sizemore Jr. obituary, Knoxville, TN

Thomas Franklin "Bucky" Sizemore Jr.

Thomas Sizemore Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann on Mar. 10, 2026.
Bucky was born to Sena Spach Sizemore and Thomas Sizemore, Sr. on August 10, 1952, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School. He attended Elon College and later graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He went on to earn his MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while working for the R.J. Reynolds Credit Union.

Upon graduating in 1980, Bucky held several positions with the Tobacco Company Credit Department, the Comptroller's Department, and Planters Lifesavers Credit prior to RJR Nabisco being acquired by KKR. When Planters Lifesavers moved north in 1996, he began a new career in the Bond Department at Wachovia Bank and later became a partner with First Winston Securities. Following acquisitions by Harris Financial Corp. and later Annaly Capital Management, he retired and enjoyed many fulfilling retirement years.

He shared a lifelong love with his wife, Debra Runnion "Debbie" Sizemore. The two met at the age of twelve and later shared more than fifty years of marriage.

Bucky cherished his family and friends from Winston-Salem, his Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers from East Carolina University, and most recently the many friends he made in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he and Debbie moved in 2020.

In addition to his wife, Debbie, he is survived by two daughters, Jackie Sizemore and Fran Harris; son-in-law John Harris; and grandchildren Molly, Jack, and Caroline.

In lieu of flowers, Bucky would have been delighted if contributions were made to:

The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

711 S. Northshore Drive

Knoxville, TN 37919

Bucky will be missed by his family and friends, but his loyalty and generosity will never be forgotten. We love you, Bu.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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