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Gertie's children with Buck Buchanan |
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Clara Hilda Buchanan |
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Walter Allen “Buc” Buchanan |
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Lawrence “Larry” Michael Buchanan |
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Stephen “Steve” Wayne Buchanan |
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Lisa Buchanan Hovater |
Buck Buchanan
Buck died on March 23, 2011.
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Gertie Mae Pittman, daughter of Fletcher and Gertrude Stancil Pittman, granddaughter of Harvey Arthur and Gertrude William Stancil, was born July 7, 1922.
Bernard "Buck" Columbus Buchanan was born at home in Mecklenberg County, Virginia, on March 22, 1917. He was the second son of Clara and Luther A. Buchanan. Melvin was older. Buck had 5 younger sisters, Chlorene, Mabel, Emma, Edith, and Jean and 2 younger brothers, Harold, and L.D.
The Buchanan farm was very close to the North Carolina line. It was about 145 miles west of Newport News, Va., and 64 miles north or Raleigh, NC.
Buck's father worked as a carpenter while his mother and siblings farmed. This was a time when kerosene lamps provided light and a woodstove heat. Buck grew up in the picturesque community of Shiny Rock near the town of Clarksville, Virginia. Shiny Rock was settled in the mid-1800s. Part of the farm was located along a winding stream called Grassy Creek.
On Sundays after church, the boys gathered to swing off grape vines into Grassy Creek. Buck learned to swim here along with all the boys in the neighborhood.
From an early age Buck learned to be self-reliant, independent, responsible, and adaptable. His mother influenced him to be a gentleman and mindful of his language. Early responsibilities included carrying logs for the wood stove and tobacco furnace, fetching water from the well which was just 8’ from the kitchen door across a porch, pulling and shucking corn. As he grew up, his father taught him carpentry, to milk the cow, to harness and farm with mules, work in all aspects of tobacco, cut kindling and wood, help with the garden, chickens and hog killings.
The work was hard and time consuming but there was time of fun. Buck especially enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting. When he got older he kept a pack of beagles. They were known for their hunting ability and he often sold puppies for top dollar, $25 apiece.
The family attended Grassy Creek Baptist Church in North Carolina, which traces its roots to 1755. The children attended Clarksville Schools. The house was ½ mile down a dirt road from the bus stop.
Buck and older brother Melvin wanted more financial opportunities than farming offered. Buck quit school after 8th grade. He and Melvin moved to Danville, Virginia. They were hired by Dan River Cotton Mill that was founded in 1882 as the Riverside Cotton Mill. The mill wove cloth and made clothing. During WWII the military had a contract with the mill.
Buck and Melvin prospered in Danville and after a few years purchased automobiles. Several years later they married sisters. Buck and Lula had two children, Hilda and Walter. The marriages did not last.
Buck moved to Newport News, Virginia, during WWII. He was immediately hired by the shipyard to work in the machine shop. These experiences lead to his next job at Remington Rand Business Machine Company. His work ethic and amiable personality was a real plus. They sent him to school in Rochester, New York. Buck learned to be a technician who could troubleshoot and repair all the equipment. At this time the shipyards leased Remington Rand machines. Buck kept them running. Ed Wallace, husband of sister-in-law, Irene, began working at Remington Rand in 1946.
Years later Buck was hired by George L. Smith Typewriters in Newport News, Virginia, a dealer for Royal Typewriters and a competitor of Remington Rand. He worked for them a number of years before returning to Remington-Rand Business Machine Company. His territory was the Tide water area. By the time Buck retired in 1982, he was their Service Manager.
About 1943, Buck met Gertie Mae Pittman, through one of his roommates in Newport News, Virginia. Gertie was a pretty beautician who grew up in rural North Carolina on a farm. She was attracted to this handsome, kind man who shared her values. They became a steady twosome. Buck took her home to meet the family and they approved.
Buck and Gertie were married on March 22, 1947, in the First Christian Church, Newport News, Virginia. Gertie’s sisters Irene Pittman Wallace and husband Ed, Ruth Pittman Langston and husband James were among those who attended the wedding.
Buck and Gertie joined Parkview Baptist Church. This was also the church home of his sisters-in-law Irene, Ruth and families. As Gertie's beautician business increased she needed a larger shop. Buck and Gertie had a house built with a shop attached. Their new home was just a few blocks away from Deer Park Baptist Church, and it became their church home. Over the years Buck served as a deacon, was on the financial committee, and taught Sunday School.
Buck was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed the challenge of the hunt but also loved observing wild animals and felt very much at home in the woods. In 1962 he and a brother-in-law bought wooded land along Bug Island Lake in Shiny Rock, close to where he grew up. This joined his brother, L.D.‘s farm Some of the land was in North Carolina and some in Virginia. At first Buck had a trailer but eventually he had a lake front house with a large porch on his Virginia property. From the porch he saw deer grazing and occasionally a turkey and birds nesting in birdhouse he built. One day Buck saw a black snake climbing up the pole to get the eggs. He took careful aim, shooting the snake in the head and saving the eggs.
Buck would spend 2 or 3 days at a time deer hunting with his younger brother L.D. Sometimes they hunted with L.D.'s hunt club. They used Walker Hounds, considered the best deer dogs. Buck also belonged to the Sterling Heights Hunt Club in Charles City, Virginia. His largest deer was 180 pounds, 8 points with a 20-inch spread. Gertie seldom visited during hunting season, she preferred the comforts of home in Newport News.
In 1971, Buck had the adventure of a life time. He traveled to the high country of Wyoming for a mule deer hunt on horseback. Buck loved the spectacular breathtaking scenery of winding rivers, wide-open prairies, rugged ranges, wildlife, dense forest and the challenges of the hunt. He returned home with a large mule deer and many tales to share.
Buck shared his love of hunting with Steve who fondly remembers rabbit hunting with his dad. Buck kept from 3 to 7 beagles. His favorite was "Jack," who he considered the smartest dog he ever owned. Lisa, 12 years old at the time, begged her dad to take her hunting. Buck relented and on a cold snowy weekend took her rabbit hunting. He thought the cold weather and having to carry the dead rabbits would stifle her interest in hunting. Buck misjudged her, she thought this was fun!
Buck deer hunted with brothers-in-law H. A., Mac and Gertie's brother-in-law James Langston. They were members of the Kenly Hunt Club. The group hunted near Jackson, North Carolina.
Family was important to Buck and Gertie. When Uncle Bernard, as niece Donna called Buck, and Gertie came, the Buchanan family knew they were going to be treated to a delicious fish fry. Buck’s mama made favorite pies from his childhood, Chocolate and Egg Custard. Buck also loved Gertie’s delicious southern pecan pie.
Buck joined the Masons in Newport News. He was an active member of Warwick Masonic Lodge for many years. Throughout his life he practiced a principle they taught, helping people in need.
In 1972, Buck and Gertie celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary with a cruise to the Bahamas. They were joined by Gertie’s sister, Ruth and husband James, who were also celebrating an anniversary.
During his years in Newport News Buck purchased a boat and became an avid fisherman. He took his brother, L.D., to his favorite fishing spots on the James River.
Buck had a tractor and planted a large garden each year that included tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, bell peppers, squash, watermelons, cantaloupe and sometimes white potatoes. He also had a grape arbor and apples trees he planted when they built their house in the 1950s. Always the good neighbor, Buck prepared the preacher’s land for planting too.
Larry and Steve participated in sports. Buck and Gertie were there to cheer them on when they played football, basketball and baseball.
In the 1980s, Buck, Gertie, and Lisa, visited Steve who lived in Phoenix. Steve decided to go west after college. He rode his motorcycle and stopped in Phoenix to visit a college friend. Steve ended up staying for several years. This trip was filled with sight-seeing along the way. Highlights included touring the Alamo, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore and visiting Buck’s sister, Emma Ragland Martin, who lived near Fort Worth.
Buck lost the love of his life when Gertie died of a blood clot in her lungs, following a stroke. She died on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 1988, in Newport News, Virginia, leaving a hole in Buck's heart.
After Gertie’s death, Buck spent more time at his Shiny Rock cabin. Over the years Buck and L.D. developed a very close relationship and enjoyed reminiscing. They particularly enjoyed deer hunting together each fall. Buck usually joined L.D. and Peggy nightly for supper and conversation. Once Buck killed a wild turkey and gave it to Peggy. She boiled it for hours and then fried it. It was still so tough that the only editable part was the breast!
In 1996 Buck had a stroke and moved into an assisted living facility in Newport News. He recovered from the stroke and was very active, visiting family, friends and driving his Chrysler. He spent Christmas, Easter, July 4, and Thanksgiving with daughter Lisa and family who lived nearby.
When Buck could no longer make the long trip to his cabin, he moved back to Newport News. He sold some of his very desirable waterfront lots and made plans to live in an assisted living home. He kept his car and independence.
Buck stayed in close touch with Gertie’s family. He attended the annual Pittman Reunion at Mac and Debbie Pittman's home in Corapeake, North Carolina. L.D. or Peggy often accompanied him and sometime drove him. The last one Buck attended was in 2007.
Buck suffered another stroke. This did not affect his speech or memory but getting around was a challenge. Buck moved into a nursing home. He continued looking forward to visits from family and friends.
Granddaughter Victoria treasures the beautiful porcelain dolls Buck gave her for Christmas. She recalled the trip to Shiny Rock when Buck moved back to Newport News. Victoria loved the tranquil beauty of the lake, the abundance of fruit trees, grape vines and understood why her grandpa loved his bit of paradise.
Buck was not able to attend granddaughter, Annebelle's gymnastics meets so Lisa showed him videos of her performances. Buck was proud of her skill, poise and determination. Annabelle, a Level 10 gymnast, has competed in meets in Texas, Pennsylvania and Virginia. She trains at World Class Gymnastics in Newport News, Va.
Buck died peacefully at 94 on March 23, 2011, at The Gardens of Warwick Forest, in Newport News, Virginia.
Buck died minutes before a visit from daughter-in-law, Peggy. Daughter Lisa was there the day before, on his birthday. Buck told Warwick Forest Chaplin, Joseph Riss, that he was ready to go, a few days before his death.
Buck was buried beside Gertie Mae, in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his son Walter A. Buchanan; sisters Mabel Buchanan Williamson, Emma Ragland Buchanan Martin, Edith Buchanan; brother Melvin Louis Buchanan; sisters-in-law Ruth Elder Pittman Langston and husband James Rudolph; Jennifer Kaye Pittman Hinnant Collins; brothers-in-law Arnold Webster Pittman, Harvey Alton Pittman, Thomas Rex Pittman and wife Carolyn; George "Mac" McArthur Pittman; nephew Stephen Dennis Hinnant; nephew Luther Bruce Buchanan.
Buck was a gentle and caring man who loved his family and friends. Sister-in-law Anne said, "He lived a good life and was loved by everyone." He felt a special connection and reverence for the beauty of God’s earth. Buck’s legacy includes an appreciation for nature and the lessons it teaches. He particularly felt close to God in the solitude of his home on Bug Island Lake. This beautiful setting close to nature was where he often read his Bible.
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