Willard Clinton Buchanan went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday morning, April 15, 2013.
Born in Swain County, he was the son of the late George Crawford Buchanan and Hettie McLean Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of 68 years, Lark Franklin Buchanan; son, Dickie McMicken Buchanan; sisters, Edna Willis and Beulah George and son-in-law, James "Jim" Bateman.
He is survived by his daughter, Denzel Buchanan Bateman and son, George "G.D."Buchanan and wife Katie; four grandchildren, Ralna Bateman, David Bateman, Diane Foxworth and Cresada Buchanan-Beane; four great-grandchildren, Alex Foxworth, Garrett Foxworth, Keegan Beane and Peyton Beane; two sisters, Georgia Ireland and their children, Georgette and Dave and Ethel Cook and husband Ceaphas and their children, Larry, Linda, Harold and David; brother, Col. Crawford Buchanan and his children, Karen, Doug and Gary. A special thanks to Virginia Huggins, his special, loving niece who he said was "his chosen Angel on Earth".
He was a member of Central Baptist Church where he was ordained as Deacon on September 23, 1956. He served as Deacon until his death. He also served as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent and choir director for many years. He was once a bass singer in the Smoky Mtn. Boys Quartet in Swain County. Willard was once a member of the Woodmen of the World.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 21st at Central Baptist Church. Rev. Gary McCoy will officiate. Burial will be in the Iotla Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Pallbearers will be Scott Beane, Jim Foxworth, Garrett Foxworth, David Bateman, Joe Hilliard and Lewis Ashe.
Memorial donations may be made to Central Baptist Church, C/O Lisa Hilliard.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com