Thinking of visiting Monterey, TN? A MASSIVE part of the culture here lives through its wildest characters. One of the most well-known of these is “Mutt” Buckner, and today, we’re going to introduce him! Let’s get started!
An affinity for dogs in childhood? An obsession with Shania Twain’s husband Mutt Lange?
In the case of Monterey’s Mutt, he didn’t even have a say in the nickname that would follow him for the rest of his life.
His naming came before he even left the hospital when a close relative entered the nursery where “Chris” lay and casually joked, “he looks like an ‘ole mutt dog.” The joke stuck.
In fact, if you ask for “Chris Buckner” at the local grocery store, most won’t even know the name. If you ask for “Mutt,” eyes are likely to light up and a story will almost certainly begin.
But, how does one live up to a name like Mutt?
The Mutt of our article has done it by being a jokester, a passionate storyteller, a school teacher, a decorated athlete, a football and baseball coach, and most of all a giving, kind man.
A football and baseball star (he won MVP of the East/West State All-Star Game- see photos), Mutt married his high school sweetheart Gina Stephens (credit her for being bold enough to marry a man so named) and almost immediately dove back into the community as an adult by coaching Saturday youth football.
From there, he became a teacher, a middle school baseball and football coach, and eventually the vice principal and athletic director of Monterey High School (positions he holds to this day).
Mutt’s still married to his high school sweetheart (a respected, decorated member of the education system herself), and the couple raised two boys in Monterey (the younger, Michael carried on the athleticism becoming a TSSAA all-state basketball player in 2009).
You would be hard pressed to find a citizen who doesn’t know Mutt, and that’s no accident. He’s one of the faces of Monterey because for more than 30 years, he’s poured his life into the people that call the city home.
He’s done this by spending 1,000’s of hours at ball fields and gymnasiums, by buying clothes for students who couldn’t afford it (when no one was watching), and by offering his time, talents, and kindness to make the City of Monterey a better place.
How do I know so much about Chris “Mutt” Buckner? Simple, he’s my dad.
He’s also one of the best men I’ve ever known, and I’m proud to be his son.
So, if you find yourself in Monterey, make sure and get at least one tale from the piece of local folklore named Mutt.
We just love mutt he changed the life of my son Joey I thank GOD for him and what he mean to us
Mutt is 1 of the best! My momma sure did think alot of him and dad does too! He’s been really good to my kids. Honest and Fair.
He and Tammy have. Both been a mentor/leader for the children on the “mountain” for many years. I love the info Andrew.
Mr. Buckner has earned all our respect and love for these many years of service to our kids! Thank you Chris for giving to all of us ! We need more men like you!
Love Mutt. He’s a great caring man of God. He loves the kids at school and leads a great example!!! He rocks and Monterey High School is blessed to have him.
Working with him was an honor! No matter what bus problems we had I could count on him to help us solve the issue!! He is one of a kind and one of the best!
Excellently written! Everybody loves him. Keep up the wonderful articles cuz!
One of my favorite humans.
Mutt and Tammy are staples of my childhood! They were such fun to be around. No doubt there will be folklore about them two written when we are all gone.
I’ve known Mutt since 1st grade. Yea, I have spent a lot of time with him. Playing sports, classmate, coaching, the stories I could tell. He is just an over all great person and a true friend.
I went to school with Mutt. So when I told people that he was a teacher that couldn’t believe it. But then I would tell them what an excellent teacher he was. He was always killing a big story and trying to make people laugh. But he is very intelligent. My son learned so much from him especially in math.Mutt the man the legend says it all
Chris Buckner helped me through my whole high school years and showed me what a true man looks like I was a bad kid in school and this man helped me believe in myself and now I am engaged and soon to be a father and I can’t thank this man anymore for how much he helped me and my siblings
When I was a substitute teacher, Mutt always had funny stories to tell. Always get good vibes from him. He is definitely a good man.
They broke the mold w/ ole, Mutt! Maybe the most genuine guy I’ve ever known. A Monterey treasure…a good man!
As a yankee transplant, I began working with Mutt in 2003. I’ve been by his side as he’s taught Science, Math, and moved up to be my Vice Principal. He has always treated me with the utmost respect and has helped guide me in teaching for almost 20 years in Monterey! He’s not only my colleague but a dear friend, and he’s always been like a big brother to me!!
Mutt is one in a million ! one of the kindness and most respectful souls you could ever meet . He helped my older son and coached him in baseball and now My younger sons get to be apart of him !!
Great article about one of the greats. I grew up hearing the name Mutt from my parents. My husband was in his first student teaching class. He watched out for my daughter at school and events during a trying time. He is always good for a smile. Lots of respect to this man.