Ed Buckner was born on August 3, 1946, in the small town of Fitzgerald, Georgia. He was raised in a religious household, as his father was an Episcopal minister. Despite his upbringing, Buckner began questioning his faith at a young age and eventually identified as an atheist.
Buckner pursued his education with a determination to make a difference in the world. He earned a bachelor's degree from Rice University before going on to obtain a doctorate from Georgia State University. His academic achievements laid a strong foundation for his future career as an activist.
Throughout his career, Buckner held executive positions with notable organizations such as the Council for Secular Humanism and the Atlanta Freethought Society. However, he is perhaps best known for his two-year term as president of the American Atheists organization, where he advocated for the separation of church and state.
Buckner was a prolific writer and contributed to several publications on topics related to atheism and secularism. His work included collaborations with authors such as Kimberley Blaker and Tom Flynn, further solidifying his reputation as a respected voice in the atheist community.
One of Buckner's most notable acts of advocacy came in 2007 when Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue organized a rain prayer event during a drought. Buckner and his organization staged a protest against what they saw as a violation of the separation of church and state, highlighting his unwavering dedication to upholding this principle.
Despite facing backlash and opposition for his beliefs, Buckner remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting secularism and advocating for the rights of atheists. He was married to Lois Bright, with whom he had a son named Michael, and his family supported him in his endeavors.
Throughout his life, Ed Buckner remained a tireless advocate for atheism and secularism, leaving a lasting impact on the movement and inspiring others to stand up for their beliefs.