Past Presidents

Featured Past President

Martin Luther King, Jr. once extolled that “[l]ife’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” The Honorable Fred Buckine answered this question every day by dedicating his career to public service.

After having served in the Air Force for over a decade, to include tours in Vietnam, he pursued a career in the law. He received his law degree in Washington, DC from Catholic University of America Law School, and began his legal career as a hearing officer in the Rental Accommodations Office, administering the city’s new rent control law.

He subsequently returned to Florida where he served as an assistant state attorney for both the Thirteenth and Twelfth Judicial Circuits, prior to being appointed as a County Court Judge for the Thirteenth Circuit. After his tenure on the bench, he returned to government service as General Counsel for the Florida Department of Transportation. He then served as an Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Administrative Hearings, prior to retiring in 2006.

The Honorable Fred Buckine was a trailblazer in the legal profession, as well as a beacon of light in the community – serving as an ordained minister, teaching at Hillsborough Community College, mentoring lawyers, and inspiring our youth.

This honorable man was one of our illustrious founders, as well as amongst the first 100 black lawyers to be licensed to practice in Florida. He has been celebrated for his service and commitment to the community, and is listed in the Judges of Cleo Hall of Fame.

The Honorable Fred Buckine departed this earthly life in September of 2014. He is survived by his wife, retired Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince, to whom he referred as his “Black Diamond,” and his two daughters Peggy LaVerne and Laura LaVerne.

He will forever be remembered as an integral member of the GEBA family.

Hon. Fred Buckine

1983-1984