George A. Buchanan

George Alexander Buchanan, age 100, 12 days shy of his 101st birthday, passed away on Tuesday July 12, 2016. He was born July 24, 1915 in Greenville, SC. He was the oldest of twelve children to Alexander Jessie Buchanan and Ethel George Buchanan.

In addition to his parents, George is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Bonnie Self Buchanan.

He is survived by his daughter Vickie Buchanan Griffin and husband Mike, of Charlotte; two grandchildren, Casey Leigh Griffin of Charlotte, and Mark Alexander Griffin and wife Betsy of Charlotte; a great grandchild, Claire Graham Griffin; and another great granddaughter due any day.

He is also survived by a sister, Jessie Phillips and husband Harvey, of Charlotte; and numerous nieces and nephews.

For the last six years, “Paw Paw’s” best buddy was Charlie, his Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Mr. Buchanan, a World War II veteran, served as a medic in the 172nd Field Artillery Battalion VII Corps, 1st US Army. He landed on Utah Beach during the invasion of Normandy. He was one of four brothers to serve in World War II at the same time. He was in battles throughout Central Europe, which ended in the Ardennes at the Battle of the Bulge.

He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Company Medal, Europe African Middle Eastern Campaign with five bronze stars and the Victory Medal. He was honorable discharged from Fort Bragg on December 13, 1945.

George was a well-known carpenter in Charlotte for over 50 years, and considered one of the best finished carpenters in the city.

“Paw Paw”, a man of strong Christian faith, was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. He truly loved his family and always made them the number one priority in his life.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Albert and Jenny Funderburk, next door neighbors to George. For many years they looked out for “Paw Paw” daily.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 2:00pm in the Paul Helton Chapel of Forest Lawn West; visitation will be from 12:00pm until 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the USO of North Carolina, Charlotte Douglas International Airport Center, 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28208.

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