Charles Buchanan

With deep love, we announce the passing of Charles Buchanan, a devoted father, grandfather, husband, and friend, who passed away on July 2, 2026 at the age of 83.

Charles was born in Sylva, NC on July 25, 1942, to Julius and Carrie Lewis Buchanan of Cagle Branch, formally Grasshopper Road in Sylva, NC where he grew up with his siblings.

Charles was a US Army Veteran. He served 1966-1969 gaining discipline, direction, and purpose. After his service in the military, he built a career as a successful electrical contractor, owning Kilowatt Electric Company, INC. Charles also quietly raised a family on Buff Creek in Sylva. He will be remembered for his generosity, loyalty, entertaining stories, kind smiles, and unconditional love. Charles was an avid golfer, winning several tournaments and serving as the president of the Jackson County Golf Club for a time. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his friends and visited the 48 continental states on his Honda Gold-wing. Charles was an eclectic personality, who played “King of the Hill” with his lawn and turning his wife’s beautiful sun room into a game room with his personal decorations after her passing. He was an active member of the Woodmen Life, Sylva chapter and served several years as the secretary. Charles attended the National Convention as a national delegate and continued to be a member of the American Legion of Sylva.

Charles is survived by his daughter and her husband, Andrea Buchanan and Cameron Cochran along with their three children: Anna Cochran, Kaitlyn Cochran, and Bryce Cochran. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Wanda Freeman Buchanan of Sylva, NC.

Services will be held at Buff Creek Baptist Church in Sylva on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Visitation is at 11:00 and the service will follow at 12:00 officiated by Rev. Kent Lowdermilk and Dr. Perry Brindley. Internment will be at Addie Cemetery with military honors.

In-lieu of flowers donations to The American Legion in Sylva, NC, Post 104, 915 W Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 or Buff Creek Baptist Church, 1274 Mineral Springs Dr. Sylva, NC 28779.

Appalachian Funeral Services is honored to be caring for the Buchanan family.