Jerry C. Buchanan, 79, suddenly left this earth for a better place on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the Stone Rise Nursing Home in Beckley. The cause of death was from an apparent fall.
Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Jerry C. Buchanan, Jr.; his mother, Blanche Falin Buchanan; and his father, James C. Buchanan. He left behind his sister, Patty Buchanan Beavers (Mrs. Chris Beavers) of Midland, Virginia; two nieces, Christie Beavers Palmateer (Mrs. Daniel Palmateer) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; and Jessica Beavers Waddell (Mrs. Brad Waddell) of Culpeper, Virginia. Jerry is also survived by two grand nieces, Madison Palmateer of Fredericksburg, VA and Adleigh Waddell of Culpeper, Virginia; two grand-nephews,James C. Palmateer (Jamie) of Fredericksburg, Virginia and Chase Waddell of Culpeper, Virginia; two aunts, Mabel Falin and Brenda Falin Wilson Lewis both of Beckley; and a loving uncle, John W. Thomas of Princeton. The family would also like to give many thanks to his neighbor and friend, Homer Alderman who helped Jerry in many ways.
Jerry graduated from Big Creek High School in War with the Class of 1961
If anyone knew Jerry, they knew his life was records, records, records, cowboys and Indians. Once his mother left his sister home in Jerrys care while she went to church, upon her arrival home, she discovered little sister Patty tied to a chair and Jerry circling the chair like an Indian. Jerry went to a cowboy convention once and met movie star, Lash LaRue. After talking for a while, Mr. LaRue realized that Jerry had a movie of him that even he did not even have. He requested that Jerry make him a copy and mail it to him. At a later convention he met Statler Brother, Harold Reid who sat beside him. It did not take Mr. Reid long to discover that Jerry was the second biggest Gene Autry fan on earth. It so happened, that Gene Autry was playing on the screen that day. When the movie ended, Mr Reid stood up and told the crowd to give a big hand to the greatest cowboy actor. From that point on Jerry was a great fan of Harold Reid. Stating that Jerry was the second greatest fan only left the top greatest one-- his father, James C. Buchanan who sounded just like Autry and used to appear on channels 4, 6, and 8. Gene Autry was the man in this household until his dad dedicated a song to Blanche Falin called Seven Years with the Wrong Woman. Unfortunately, for him, he left her last name Buchanan off and forgot ??? to say she was his wife. It was pretty quiet around the old homestead for a couple of months. Jerry used to go around the house singing that song until he figured it might be cold sleeping on the front porch in the middle of the winter.
Jerry used to work at the Sunbeam Bread Factory on City Avenue in Beckley; and several coal mines in Raleigh and McDowell Counties. Prior to making his home in Beckley, he lived in Raysal, Iaeger, and Daniels. He previously attended the Bradshaw Church of God and the Atwell church of God.
A graveside service will be held, Tuesday, September 14, 2021, starting at Melton Mortuary at 11:30 am to 12:30pm for those wanting to view and say goodbye to Jerry. The procession will leave at 12:30pm for the graveside service at 1:00pm at the Calfee Cemetery in Mt. Tabor with Rev. Doc Adkins officiating.
A special thanks to Bruce Blankenship of Melton Mortuary. Bruce has been a tremendous comforter, advisor, protector and friend over many, many years and several generations. Thank you Bruce.