Ora Eugene Buchanan, Jr.

Ora Eugene Buchanan, Jr. ascended into Heaven on Tuesday March 31,
2020, following a long battle with prostate cancer. A native of Benham, KY, he was the
son of Ora Eugene Buchanan, Sr. and Ruth Kaiser Buchanan and brother to his two
sisters, Ellen Napier of Knoxville, TN and Betty Jane Brown and husband Bill of Sarasota, FL. He leaves
behind a loving wife of 55 years, Carolyn Buchanan. Two children, daughter Stephanie
Zimmerman and her husband Scott Zimmerman of Kingsport and a son, Jason
Buchanan and his wife Marcy Buchanan of Jupiter, FL. Ora also leaves behind five
grandchildren whom he was so proud of, Zachary Zimmerman, Alexa Zimmerman,
Brooks Buchanan, Palmer Buchanan, and Crew Benham Buchanan.

Depending on how and when you met him, you may know him by one of his many
nicknames, Gene, Eugene, Buck, Big Bear or his favorite and most affectionate
name...Bearpa. He was a member of Colonial Heights Christian Church. The owner of
Buchanan Insurance Agency which he founded in the early 70’s in downtown Kingsport.
After a short retirement in the late 90’s, he and his son Jason started another agency,
Buchanan & Company in Gray, TN. He was a 1961 graduate of Benham High School
where he excelled in basketball and football for the Tigers. After graduating from high
school he attended college at East Tennessee State where he earned his BA in
Business Management and Real Estate. He was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa
Fraternity. He was hired by Travelers Insurance in 1971 and was active in his career
until he passed. Buck was an avid fisherman and active member for many years of
several Bass clubs. For many years, he fished tournaments all over the southeast,
winning several. Fishing was his passion until Jason became active in sports and Buck’s
priorities changed. Coaching youth sports became his passion. He was very involved as
a board member of the Colonial Heights Athletic Commission where he coached
basketball and baseball. He also coached The Kingsport Travelers several years in
Junior Pro and AAU basketball.

Bearpa was most proud of his grandchildren and they loved him dearly. He touched
many lives in such a positive manner. He was a gentle and generous man who will be
missed by many. 

The family will receive friends from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at Colonial Heights Church. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1 p.m. at the church.