A.D. Buchanan, age 89, of Spruce Pine, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, September 2nd, 2022.
A native of Mitchell County, he was a son of the late Ade Buchanan and Dollie Ledford Buchanan Ward. He was also preceded in death by five siblings: Ray Buchanan, Guy Buchanan, Helen Buchanan, Frances Bryson and L.B. Buchanan, as well as a daughter-in-law, Linda Cox.
A.D. was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. He enjoyed listening to bluegrass and old country music. He loved to tinker on lawnmowers. He was always a jokester, but was unmatched as a storyteller, especially to his grandchildren. All the grandkids lovingly referred to him as “PawPaw”, and he was loved and admired by his family as much as he loved each one of them. If the grandchildren could only talk to him once more, he would hear things like, “We’re going to miss you, PawPaw, but we’ll keep your memory alive until we can meet again.”…. “Your storytelling was unmatched, your quick wit and humor were unrivaled, and your smile was contagious. You were toughness and grit, kind words and generosity, and so proud of your family. You loved Pepsi and Debbie cakes, and flannel shirts in the summer.”…. “You were the best storyteller and always knew how to make us laugh. You loved posing for the camera and having your picture taken.”…. “PawPaw, you were my first best friend. There are so many good memories with you; from being at your house every day as a child to us talking about life and you giving me advice, and telling me all about Jesus.”…. “PawPaw… another best friend gone; such a good friend, but a great grandfather. From all the experiences you told me about, to the ones we had together. I’m glad you’re dancing on the streets of gold in Heaven.”…. “You were the life of the party, always cracking jokes and full of good stories. To find you, we went to the back porch. You never failed to ask how we were doing or if we needed money. You gave me many dollars for bubble gum. Your cornbread is still hands down the best. In your last days, you sang old gospel songs. I know you were ready to go meet your Savior for a glorified body.”
A.D. Buchanan lived an incredible life, and left behind a beautiful legacy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was everyone’s best friend. Some of his last conversations with his family were about Jesus, giving them comfort in knowing he went Home to Heaven, and that they’ll see him again someday. This man was deeply loved and will be cherished and missed more than he could possibly know.
Surviving is his loving wife of 63 years, Mae McNeill Cox Buchanan; five children: Ronnie Cox of Rocky Spring Heights, Sharon Fairchild (Keith) of Rutherfordton, Tim Buchanan (Sherry) of Spruce Pine, Beverly Hollifield (Rev. Greg) of Grassy Creek and Mary Ann Yelton (Gene) of Spruce Pine; nine grandchildren: Jonathan Fairchild (Amanda), Daniel Fairchild (Barbie Rose), Natalie Williams (Daron), Steffan Hollifield (Shareece), Drew Hollifield, Keri Norris (Dakota), Emilee Phillips (Jordan), Alexis Yelton and Dawson Yelton; eleven great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Kaylyn, Jada, Allison, Jacee, Jentsen, Janna, Deakon, Camden, Luke and Evee Joy; and a sister, Bernice Hughes of Ledger. Several other extended family also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, September 9th, in the Chapel of Yancey Funeral Service with A.D.’s son-in-law, Rev. Greg Hollifield, officiating. Burial will follow in Cane Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Fairchild, Daniel Fairchild, Steffan Hollifield, Dawson Yelton, Gene Yelton and Keith Fairchild. The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m. prior to the funeral service in the chapel. The family would like to send a special thank you to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, and memorial contributions may be made to them at 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
To send online condolences please visit: www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
