Tyson Lee Buchanan

Tyson Lee Buchanan, 44, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born and lived his life in Sylva, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sandra Buchanan. He is survived by his father, James Lee Buchanan, stepmother, Mary Buchanan; sister, Kim Buchanan; half-brother, Jamie Bradley; his beautiful daughters, Tyleigh Ashe (Gabe) and Taryn Buchanan; his nephew, Ryan Lambert, and niece, Jaime Lambert; and his grandson, Hezekiah Ashe, who brought light to his final days.

To know Tyson was to love him. He was funny without even trying, always ready with a joke and a laugh, and no one could ever out-prank him — believe us, we tried. He loved his family fiercely, and that love was returned in full.

Those who knew him will remember his warmth and his humor, but also the little things that made him unmistakably Ty: his crazy shoes, the shorts he wore even on the coldest winter days, and the wild jackets he sported like he was walking a runway. He leaves behind more funny stories than we could ever finish telling, and we will keep telling them, for as long as we're able, in his honor.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, September 26, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Appalachian Funeral Home, with a private family viewing 30 minutes prior. A graveside service will follow at New Savannah Baptist Cemetery, 7065 US Hwy 441 N. Family and friends are invited to join afterward for refreshments and fellowship at Savannah Community Park, 270 Greenway Rd.

Serving as pallbearers will be Gabe Ashe, Ryan Lambert, Lee Westmoreland, Trent Fouts, Doug Buchanan, and Lonnie Large.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Tyson to Men's Challenge of the Smokies. Contributions can be mailed to PO Box 2157, Franklin, NC 28744, or made online at mtcots.com.

Tyson will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Appalachian Funeral Services is honored to serve the Buchanan family.