Brian Buchanan

Brian Buchanan obituary, Louisville, KY

Brian Buchanan

Brian Buchanan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home - Louisville on Dec. 25, 2025.
Brian Buchanan, 51, passed away on December 21st, 2025, surrounded by his family. He will always be remembered as a devoted father, son, and husband, as well as an avid cyclist, a Jimmy Buffett enthusiast, and a DIY optimist.

He was born a Buckeye in Marion, Ohio to Carol and Darrell Buchanan, where he grew up playing basketball and first developed his love of players like his beloved Magic Johnson. Brian went on to meet his wife, Grey, when they both attended Ohio Wesleyan University. There he was an active member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and made many lifelong memories. Brian and Grey moved to Louisville in 1998, where Brian claimed Wildcat status as an adopted Kentuckian. He began work at UPS in 2000, and completed 25 faithful years of service before his passing.

The two raised a family in Louisville, and Brian enjoyed a continued tenure in sports, both playing (church league basketball) and coaching (leading the Field Falcons to multiple championships!). Those who knew Brian knew he was quick to deliver a "dad joke," much to the chagrin of his family. He led them to travel far and wide – fixing up a 1983 Westfalia camper van to embark on a 3000+ mile trip out west, biking along the KT Trail, and enjoying many of Kentucky's beautiful state parks with extended family.

When at home, Brian appreciated "keeping watch" on the porch of their Highlands home with his neighbor friends. He was also a dedicated member of the St. Paul congregation, actively participating in church events such as Boar's Head, Sunday School, Upward Basketball, and many others. Not just a sports fan, Brian was a true Renaissance man who enjoyed cooking, being proficient in "ham art," and decorating some truly impressive birthday cakes. Brian frequently talked of retiring in his favorite place, St. Simons Island, and enjoying the beach life in a hammock, while simultaneously running a combination bike shop and fish taco stand.

He is survived by his parents, Carol and Darrell; his brother, Greg; his wife, Grey; his children Lily, Tyler, and Wesley; nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends. In honor of Brian's long, hard battle with cancer, they request any donations be sent to Norton's Bike to Beat Cancer, Gilda's Club Kentuckiana, or St. Paul United Methodist Church.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 27th, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglass Boulevard. Visitation at the church will precede the service from 2:00 pm - 3:45 pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Brian Buchanan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 8, 2026

Ali Millard posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2025

Towhid Asadi posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2025

Zaxton & Kelly Rothberg posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Ali Millard

January 8, 2026

You all are such an amazing family.

Towhid Asadi

December 27, 2025

I know his son and his mom very well. He saw me play basketball before but I haven´t got a chance to meet him. I´m so sorry for your loss you to Wesley and Ms.Buchanan that you have to go through but all I could say is he´s in the better place right now. May God rest his soul

Zaxton & Kelly Rothberg

December 27, 2025

Very sorry for the loss of such a great man, husband and father. Prayers for the family! The Rothberg´s

Bob Dearmond

December 26, 2025

I came to know Brian as a fellow group member at Gilda's Club. What an insightful, likeable, and good man he was. As active cancer patients, we all leaned on each other for support, talked about anything that was on our minds, knowing we had each others backs. We got to know a lot about each other on a personal level and not just that disease that we shared. It was apparent that Brian was a family man. As an educator myself, I also recognized that he was quite proud of Grey's work as a teacher and recognized her hard work and contributions to Atherton and her students. I am very sorry that I will not be able to make it on Saturday because I am visiting my daughters family in Maryland for the holidays. I so wanted to meet Grey and the family and share my good thoughts and best wishes, and I am very sad that I could not make it work :(
Brian was a good man and will be missed. My love to all.

Laura Booth

December 25, 2025

Grey, I am so sorry for your loss. I have found memories of Brian at church during Boars Head. Sending prayers for strength and healing for you and the kids.

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Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home - Louisville

3331 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40205

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Sign Brian Buchanan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 8, 2026

Ali Millard posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2025

Towhid Asadi posted to the memorial.

December 27, 2025

Zaxton & Kelly Rothberg posted to the memorial.