Richard Durr Buchanan

1935 - 2020

Richard Durr Buchanan

Nashville - Richard Durr Buchanan (1935-2020) passed away peacefully at home on July 5. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on March 4, 1935 to Henry Grady Buchanan and Mary Minerva Buchanan (neé Hall). Though his family moved around during his childhood, Richard returned to Nashville in 1953 to enroll in Vanderbilt University. To make ends meet, he worked at the circulation desk in the library, starting a lifelong love affair with books, research and knowledge. He moved in with Harold and Helen Buchi and their children, who became like family to Richard. After graduating with his B.A. in biology and history, Richard enrolled in Vanderbilt Medical School. In 1959, Richard met a beautiful young nursing student, Poppy, who would be his wife and companion for nearly 60 years. Richard graduated with his M.D. in 1961. He and Poppy married the same year. Richard completed his internship and residency in Pathology at Vanderbilt between 1961 and 1964, before becoming the Chief of Pathology Services at Nashville Metropolitan General Hospital. Richard was drafted as a Captain into the U.S. Army in 1966. He, Poppy, and their infant daughter Mary Gresham moved to Bangkok, Thailand, where Richard worked at the SEATO Medical Research Laboratory. While in Thailand, Richard and Poppy welcomed their second daughter, Helen Elizabeth. They returned to the U.S in 1968. From 1968-1975, he was on faculty at Vanderbilt School of Medicine and chief of the laboratory at the Veterans Administration. Richard enjoyed a 44 year career in pathology and will be remembered as a beloved mentor and businessman. He was President of Associated Pathologists from 1978-1996, Chairman from 1996-1997, and continued to work until retiring in 2005. Richard, or Graydaddy as he was known to his grandchildren, will be remembered by all who knew him as a man who loved knowledge. He was a voracious reader, art collector, and occasional poet. In his later years, he delighted in sharing his pithy (and sometimes bawdy) rhymes with family and friends. He was a deeply faithful Christian and now waits for his loved ones with his Heavenly Father.

He is survived by his wife, Poppy; his daughters Mary Gresham Barr (Rick) and Elizabeth Buchanan; his sister-in-law, JoAnn Gannaway; and by his grandchildren Thompson, Bennett & Sarah Gresham Barr and Poppy, Duncan, Aidan & Josephine Krump. Neither obituary nor eulogy can capture the fullness of the life he lived. He will be as deeply missed as he was dearly loved.

During this time, his family is asking for prayers, letters, cards, and any fond memories those who knew him would like to share. His family would also like to thank the many caregivers who took care of him in his final days. Doc loved you all very much. A celebration of his life will be held when circumstances permit.

Online Guestbook available at www.crawfordservices.com.

CRAWFORD MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 615-254-8200