His life is proof: you’re never too far gone to be brought back

Buck D. has been sober since January 15, 2009, but his journey began in chaos. Growing up in Arkansas, his father—a brilliant but violent WWII bomber pilot—brought trauma and alcoholism into the home. After his parents’ divorce, 8-year-old Buck and his brother ended up homeless in Kansas before being returned to their mother and grandparents.

As a teen, Buck spiraled into drinking, run-ins with the law, and eventually the Navy, where he lived up to the “drunken sailor” reputation. His life became a cycle of marriages, DUIs, institutions, and relapses. Though first introduced to AA in 1976, Buck wasn’t ready to change.

He hit devastating lows: detoxing in state hospitals, homelessness in Texas, and even a failed suicide attempt. Yet along the way, there were God moments—including hearing a voice telling him he’d be okay, and his sponsor Ted showing up at his driveway when Buck was ready to give drinking up for good.

That intervention brought him back to recovery in 2009. Since then, Buck has faced loss, rebuilt his life, and found deep faith, service, and love with his wife Becky. He says recovery finally began when he “got honest and out of the way.”

Today, Buck’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of never giving up.

⚠️ If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. You are not alone.

🌐 For daily encouragement and inspiration, visit our friends at Daily Ponderables.

The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.