Robert Doyle Buchanan

Robert Doyle Buchanan, known to his family and friends as “Chuck,” passed away on May 27, 2014. He leaves behind his beloved wife of forty-two years, Diane Berkey Buchanan, his daughter Melissa M. Buchanan Stahl (Jeffery J. Stahl), and his son and best friend, Robert H. Buchanan, (Megan Lindeman Buchanan). He leaves two grandsons, Robert Greggory Buchanan and Brodie Buxton Buchanan, the lights of their Papa’s life. He was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Parsons Buchanan and his father, Doyle “Buck” Buchanan.

A graduate of Maury High School in Norfolk, Mr. Buchanan served in the U.S. Army for four years. He went on to continue his service with the Air National Guard reserve and retired from the 203rd “Red Horse Unit” after fifteen years. He worked at Texaco, Inc., at the production terminal for twenty years before earning a BS in Secondary Education from Norfolk State University. He taught at Virginia Beach Central Academy and retired from Virginia Beach Public School system after fifteen years. Most recently Chuck was working at the Lake Wright Golf Course to pass the time until his wife could retire and join him on the beach.

He was active in his children’s lives, and spent many years coaching softball and baseball and serving on the board of directors of NAS Little League.

Chuck grew up in the Tidewater area fishing and crabbing. He was famous for his original crab cake recipe, which was once featured in the Virginian-Pilot. He was especially fond of Hatteras Island N.C. and the freedom of driving on the beach.

Chuck was funny, kind, giving to a fault and knew no strangers. Your light was extinguished far too soon. Our dreams of a long, happy retirement will never come to pass. We hope you are with Grandma Dot eating fried chicken, picking crabs and smiling down on us. Fair winds and following seas until we are all together again. We love you.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at Smith & Williams Funeral Home, Norview Chapel.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to Friends of Felines, FOFHI, P.O. Box 310, Avon, NC 27915.

Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamsnorfolk.com