Ray Hugh Buchanan

PASTOR RAY H. BUCHANAN, age 84 of Oak Ridge, TN was called to his heavenly home that he so longed for on Saturday morning, August 3, 2013. God called His good and faithful servant home. Bro. Ray was born in Bakersville, North Carolina on Sept. 2, 1928 son of Lula Mae and Jerome Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, parents, Lula Mae and Jerome Buchanan, brother, Harold Buchanan, sisters, June Burlson and Genevieve Miller. He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Sharpe of Oak Ridge, son, Bobby Buchanan of Oak Ridge, son, Mike Buchanan of Conroe, TX and brother, Dean Buchanan and wife Jean. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Lisa Greene, Scott McLain, Jeff McLain, Kim Nash, Robbie Buchanan and eleven great-grandchildren. Since the early 50’s, Bro. Ray had dedicated his life to the ministry, the last 57 years at Solway Missionary Independent Baptist Church. This church started as a small one, but God blessed it and it soon became evident that they needed a larger church. Just down the highway, in 1961, ground was broken for the present church. Bro. Ray was in the midst of the construction, along with members of the church. This church grew beyond all expectations, having at one point, a bus ministry of about 20 buses, bringing in people from all over the Anderson and Knox county regions. He began his ministry, preaching under tents in Oak Ridge, Clinton and other areas. In the years following, he began a radio ministry, which lasted for several years. He retired from Union Carbide as an insulator in 1959, in order to dedicate all of his time to the ministry. Bro. Ray was active in so many phases of the ministry-he loved and supported missionaries around the world, was active in the prison ministry, loved and supported orphans homes, was the author of numerous books and leaflets concerning his Lord and Savior. He never hesitated to talk to people about their salvation and as a result, many souls were saved. This pastor was always willing to go where he was needed, whether it was night or day. It is difficult to explain how much this man has meant to the community of Solway and to Oak Ridge. He was always there for anyone that needed him, whether it was for spiritual help, sickness, deaths, or just a friend to talk to. Our loss is heaven’s gain!! One of Bro. Ray’s favorite verses was Romans 8:28----“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 7 from 11am-1pm at Martin Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM with interment immediately following at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Officiating at the funeral service will be Pastor Dean Buchanan and Pastor Bill Dean. Honorary Pallbearers: AO Roberts, Bill Sharpe, AJ Bissell, Don Cameron, Frank Wright and a multitude of Pastors. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Ray Buchanan to Tabernacle Children’s Home, 3931 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC 29611 “Absent from the Body, Present with the Lord”