Buddy Buchanan Jr.

Buddy Buchanan

Jackson

John Thomas "Buddy" Buchanan, Jr. died on September 23, at St. Dominic Hospital. Born March 18, 1940 and a Jackson native, he was educated in the Jackson Public Schools, St. Joseph Academy, MSU, Millsaps College, and North Carolina University. His heart was at Millsaps College where he was a 50 year member of Pi Kappa Alpha and a highly involved alumnus of the College. He was a firm supporter of Millsaps athletics and recently completed an eight year term as Pike Alumni Advisor He was retired from the MS Public Service Commission and Spalding Sports Worldwide. For 20 years prior to his service with the state of Mississippi, he had served as a pro representative, regional promotional manager, and a distributor for A.C. Spalding and Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Later, as an independent golf equipment distributor, he served on the national advisory staffs of Titleist, Spalding, Wilson, and MacGregor. He won countless awards and citations in the golf industry. While working PGA tour events, he kept the specifications of some of the world's top professionals.

Mr. Buchanan was a highly regarded athlete in his youth exhibiting skills in all sports, but most particularly noted as a baseball player and a top ranked Mississippi amateur golfer. He pitched and played shortstop at all levels from Little League through semi-pro, and his most successful years as an amateur golfer were from the mid-60's though the early 80's. His long time four-ball partner, Tom Stuart said, "Buddy Buchanan was a stylish and gritty player. He played his best when the game was on the line. He had an amazing flair for getting the job done at 'crunch time'. I couldn't have asked for a better friend or a more talented partner."

In addition to his personal accomplishments on the playing field Mr. Buchanan was also actively involved in athletic programs within the community. He served as the volunteer instructor/coach for the St. Joseph High School golf team, leading them to consecutive district and state titles in 1985 and 1986. Mr. Buchanan, along with his close friend J.T Noblin, was also instrumental in formation of Parham Bridges Park and Tennis Center.

For 20 years he was heavily involved in the voting process in Madison County, having served tenures in each office of the Madison County Republican executive committee. He served two terms each as municipal Republican Chairman for the cities of Madison and Ridgeland. His knowledge and understanding of the voting process, both at the primary and general election level, made him a popular speaker on voting issues and in educating poll workers. Mr. Buchanan and his wife Luran's shared feelings for homeless animals brought many rescued dogs into their lives, and they were never happier than when making the lives of abandoned animals better.

Mr. Buchanan was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Buchanan, Sr., and Anne Hendrick Buchanan, and infant sister Brenda, and is survived by his beloved wife Luran Luper Buchanan of Jackson, his son John Thomas "Trey" Buchanan (wife Connie) of San Antonio, Texas, one sister, Betty Anne Buchanan Johnston of Jackson, two grand daughters, Addie Dorsey, of Charleston, SC, and Christi Cox of Brandon, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of life service for Buddy will be held in the Leggett Center of Millsaps College on Friday, September 30, with visitation at 4:00 PM and memorial service at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Millsaps College, the Miriam Weems Animal Rescue Fund, or the charity of your choice. Directions to the Leggett Center may be found on the website at millsaps.edu.