Gary Buchanan

October 2, 1938 - February 12, 2019

Gary Buchanan, age 80, of Newland, North Carolina passed away on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at Life Care Center of Banner Elk. He was born on October 2, 1938 in Avery County, North Carolina, a son of the late Stewart William Buchanan and the late Clara Hughes Buchanan. Gary worked as Truck Driver and taught Truck Driving at Caldwell Community College for many years. He had served as a Magistrate for Avery County and was a Licensed Auctioneer. He was a member of the Newland United Methodist Church, where he had served on various committees in the church, the Linville Masonic Lodge and was a former member of the Newland Volunteer Fire Department.A family oriented man, Gary enjoyed traveling, and had visited most of the National Parks in the United States. His family and friends could always count on him to offer advice. Spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren was one of his greatest pleasures. Listening to Old Time Country and Bluegrass, you never knew when he would begin to dance. Gary never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with almost anyone, he particularly enjoyed spending time talking to old truck drivers. Gary leaves behind to cherish his memory his: Wife of 58 years, Loretta Vance Buchanan of Newland, NC; Son, Allen (Lorie Clark) Buchanan of Roan Mountain, TN, Son, Bruce (Martha Jo) Buchanan of Newland, NC, Granddaughter, Ashley Buchanan, Grandson, Michael (Amanda) Buchanan, Grandson, Keith (Crystal) Buchanan, Grandson, Gary R. (Fallon) Buchanan, Granddaughter, Brooke (B.J.) Ruppard, Grandson, Devin (Fiance' Randa Dunlap) Buchanan, Great Grandchild, Landon Buchanan, Great Grandchild, Aaleah Buchanan, Great Grandchild, Robin Maxine Buchanan, Great Grandchild, Harper Buchanan, Great Grandchild, Tilly Buchanan, Great Grandchild, Julia Wright, Sister-In-Law, Martha and Frank Tugman, Brother-In-Law, William M. Kemper; Nieces and Nephew, Billy Kemper, Nieces, Jessica and Joshua Yates, Niece, Anna and Alex Palma; Special Friend, Melba and George Andrews, Special Friends, Mike and Paula Fitzgerald, Special Friends, Rev. Keith and Pat Tutterow, Special Friend, Carol Keller Hodge and Special Friend, Jane Galloway. Services for Gary Buchanan will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Newland United Methodist Church with a brief reception to follow in the church fellowship hall. The family would like to thank Dr. Joe Barker, Carol Smith and the Staff of Medi Home Hospice, the staff of Life Care Center in Banner Elk, and the staff of Cannon Memorial Hospital. "Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and care we received from each of you and your wonderful staff." Per Gary's wishes, the family respectfully requests no flowers, and those that would like to make a donation in his memory, please send a contribution to the Newland United Methodist Church, PO Box 368, Newland, NC 28657 for the Oasis in Memory of Gary. The money will be used for abused and neglected children. Words of Comfort and Memories may be shared with the Buchanan family by visiting our website www.rsfh.net The care of Gary and his family has been entrusted to Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland. (828) 733-2121