William Michaux Buchanan

1928 - 2024

William Michaux Buchanan

July 6, 1928 - July 27, 2024

William Michaux Buchanan, of Richmond, died on July 27, 2024, at the age of 96, after a brief illness. Michaux lived a good, long life that was based on four pillars: Church, Country, Family and Friends.

Michaux was born on July 6, 1928 in Richmond to Frances Anderson Michaux and Horace Graham Buchanan, Jr. His parents predeceased him as did his older brother Horace Graham Buchanan III, known as "Monks". Michaux attended Fox Elementary, Binford Middle and Thomas Jefferson High School and joined the Marine Corps upon graduation from Thomas Jefferson. Honorably discharged after three years, he attended Hampden-Sydney College until he was recalled by the Marines at the start of the Korean War. After his second term of service, he began his long career in the tobacco business, retiring from Philip Morris after 40 years. He then dedicated his time to family, friends, golf and his beloved dog, Freckles.

He was a proud member of the Sons of the Revolution, The Richmond German, The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia and The Country Club of Virginia, where he exercised regularly until his final illness.

He is survived by his wife of almost 49 years, Judith Oslack Buchanan; and his three children, William Michaux Buchanan, Jr., of Washington, DC and Miami, FL, Elizabeth Ledford (Paul) and Alice Scott (Erik Shipp) of Richmond. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Katherine Anne Buchanan of San Francisco, CA, Austin James Bare (Brooke) and Emily Anne Bare of Seaford, Delaware, Grace Michaux Buchanan of Alexandria, VA, Halsey Michaux Scott of Richmond and Nikola Thomas Buchanan of Miami, FL.

Michaux was a lifelong Episcopalian who was very active at St. James's Church while growing up in the Fan and spent most of his adult life worshiping at St. Stephen's Church. Michaux and Judy were enthusiastic cruisers, and he loved to say that he had cruised to the "top of the world" (The Svalbard Islands and Alaska), the bottom (Antarctica) and many places in between, including through the Panama Canal. He had just celebrated his 96th birthday in the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway.

He will be buried in a private family service at the Michaux Family Cemetery in Michaux, VA in Powhatan County. There will be a memorial serviceat St. Stephen's Church, 6001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA, 23226 on Friday, August 2, at 3 p.m. followed by a reception. The service will be livestreamed at

https://ststephensrva.org/memorial-stream/ In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to St. Stephen's Church or Hampden-Sydney College, Farmville, VA.

His fighting spirit and cheeky grin will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Semper Fi, good and faithful friend! We love you, Dad.