Wade T. Buchanan, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home with his family surrounding him on December 24, 2024. Wade was the youngest child of Wade T. Buchanan, Sr. and Thula Beatrice. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Peggy Campbell Buchanan and his two sons, Steve and Jeff Buchanan. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Lillian (Lewis) Towery and Grace (Fred) Tuck. Wade is survived by three children, David (Linda) Buchanan of Jasper and two daughters, Christi (Bruce) Hinkley of Canton and Sally (Todd) Bradshaw of Canton. He has 7 grandchildren: Heather (Matt) Cato of Canton, Megan (Chris) Hall of Cartersville, Rachel (Jordan) Hobbs of Canton, Richie (Angie) Kook of Canton, Elizabeth (Alex) Coleman of Roswell, Bricey (Brad) Scarberry of Winder and Brady (Sarah) Bradshaw of Newnan. He leaves behind 17 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Wade grew up in the mill town of Inman, SC. and was a member of Inman First Baptist Church. He served in the Army as a paratrooper and was stationed in Japan. He graduated from Spartanburg Junior College and then completed his education at Wofford College where he played Varsity Basketball and was also an avid tennis player and golfer. He married the love of his life in 1949 in Spartanburg, SC. and they were married 60 years. They had five children over the next 15 years and relocated several times until they settled in Canton in 1973.

Wadeken Industries was formed in 1975, and Wade sold the business 44 years later and retired at the age of 91.

Wade was extremely involved in the Canton community and was a member of the Canton First Baptist Church for 51 years. He also enjoyed his longstanding membership at the Canton Golf Course where he enjoyed many hours on the greens. He was a city councilman for Ward 2 for 16 consecutive years and served on numerous committees during his tenure. He was also the president of the local chapter of the American Cancer Society and was responsible for bringing "Love Lights a Tree" in downtown Canton in 1993 which still continues as a yearly tradition over 30 years later. He also chaired the Steve Buchanan Memorial Golf tournament for 27 years and helped raise a tremendous amount of money for the American Cancer Society. Wade earned many honors including the "Lamar Haley Award" and the "First Citizen Award" in appreciation of his many volunteer hours. He was instrumental in bringing the Laurel Canyon community to the area and the Wade Buchanan Clubroom at the Fairways of Canton is named in his honor.

Wade also had many special friends that were like family to him including his IHOP family, and his RCB and JMP family.
The family will receive friends at Darby Funeral Home on Thursday, December 26th from 2pm – 6pm. The funeral will be Friday, December 27th at 11am at Canton First Baptist Church with Rev. Cliff Pace and Dr. George Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Cherokee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society in his honor via this link:
https://e.givesmart.com/events/DTC/

The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Buchanan family.