Track Bugler George "Bucky" Sallee Passes
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
George "Bucky" Sallee made the call to the post at Keeneland well over 10,000 times
George "Bucky" Sallee, bugler at Keeneland for more than 50 years until his retirement in the fall of 2013 to become Bugler Emeritus, died Nov. 7 at age 87.
"Bucky was a beloved member of the Keeneland family and a wonderful ambassador for racing," said Keeneland president and CEO Bill Thomason. "Throughout his storied career, he generously shared his time and musical talent with fans of all ages. He will be remembered as a very special part of Keeneland's history."
A Lexington native, Bucky began taking trumpet lessons at age 7, and majored in music at the University of Kentucky. He became a renowned musician, playing trumpet and tenor sax in the 1950s and early 1960s with notable bands.
Bucky got his start at Keeneland in the early 1960s when Frank Atkins, the club pro at Picadome Golf Course—who moonlighted at Keeneland during the race meets—asked Bucky to help him by filling in as track bugler. For the next 50-plus years, Bucky performed his signature "Boots and Saddles" for the post parade and "Assembly" at post time to the delight of racing fans. He reached a career milestone Oct. 9, 2002, making his 10,000th call to the post at Keeneland.
In addition to his wife of 38 years, Barbara Cook Sallee, Bucky is survived by his son, Thomas Lee (Rose) Sallee; grandchildren Amy, Damon and Christy Sallee; nine great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Therese Welch; sister-in-law Phyllis (Thomas) McCallister; niece Barabara (Chuck) McCallister; nephews Thomas (Jennifer) McCallister and John McCallister; and five great nieces and nephews and five great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Sallee, and sons, Larry and Doug Sallee and Lester Teater II.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Johnson's Funeral Home in Georgetown, Ky. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at Georgetown First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Lexington. Memorials may be made to Georgetown First United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Bluegrass.