Ray Hampton Buchanan

Ray Hampton Buchanan, age 92, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. He was born on April 16, 1933, to the late Edd Buchanan and Clearsie McMahan Buchanan. Ray served in the United States Air Force for 21 years. Upon retirement from military service, he was Postmaster at the Dillsboro Post Office for 20 years, retiring in 1995. He was a loving father and an avid sports enthusiast, who enjoyed watching and attending various athletic events. 

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Sutton Buchanan; his brothers, Aldon and Donald; and his sisters, Hilda Sutton, Catherine Green, Louise Cabe, Frankie Cowan and Pauline Henderson. 

Ray is survived by his son, Michael and his wife, Debra, of Raleigh. He is also survived by his sister, JoAnn Garner and her husband, Allen; and his brother, Kenneth (Buddy) and his wife, Minnie; and many nieces and nephews. 

Michael and Debra would like to thank the staffs of the Hermitage Assisted Living and Memory Care and Harris Regional Hospital for their devoted care and service. 

The family visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 pm with the Reverend Eddie Stillwell officiating. The family will have a private burial.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion, Post 104, PO Box 104, Sylva, NC 28779.