Ralph L. Buchanan

This is the story of Ralph Leon Buchanan, born on December 27, 1925 to parents Estelle Buchanan (nee Rivers) and Frederick Buchanan of Darlington, South Carolina. He was the younger brother of Fred Buchanan. Ralph’s sense of duty and responsibility moved him to join the United States Air Force at just 17 years of age during World War II. He specialized as an airplane engine mechanic. He was decorated with a Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Award, and World War Two Victory Ribbon. After serving tow years in the service, he was honorably discharged and returned to Baltimore to complete his education at Frederick Douglass High School. He later went on to attend the New York Institute of Photography. While supporting himself as a cab driver in New York, he began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He learned through his studies of the Bible that Jehovah’s kingdom is the only true source of peace for mankind. After carefully studying the scriptures, Ralph dedicated his life to Jehovah and symbolized it with water baptism on September 20, 1948. He also met Aura Saillant, who became the love of his life. He and Aura were joined in matrimony on December 20, 1948 and began a lifetime of faithful service to Jehovah. He attended Gilead School and his voice would be heard expounding on God’s word when he participated in broadcasts from Watchtower Society’s Radio Station, WBBR, in New York. Ralph and Aura’s 64-year marriage bore eight children, whom they tirelessly raised according to God’s principles. Leon (deceased), Leslie, Steven, Kurt and Edye were born in New York. Tayna, Terry and Daisy were born after Ralph and Aura moved their growing family to Baltimore. There were only a few publishers in the Harlem Park congregation when he began serving as the congregation overseer. Later he served as an Elder with the Edmonson congregation. He was loved and respected as an Elder, assisting so many in a quiet manner. He especially showed fatherly interest in young couples who were beginning their families. Ralph made many sacrifices over the years for his family and for the congregation. He knew the value of those sacrifices because his study of the scriptures taught him that Jehovah is the Rewarder of those earnestly seeking him and the God who cannot lie. During many of his outings, Ralph could be seen with a camera hanging around his neck as he loved photography. His other hobbies included diving, reading, and exploring Bible prophesies. He also loved spending time with his family, which includes 8 children, 24 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. His fondest memory was seeing a Bible student strip off the old personality and begin to serve Jehovah. When asked what he looked forward to in the New World, it was seeing his mother and father again. Daddy will always be remembered for being very reasonable. He could often come up with a scripture that I was so surprised to see. Dad loved deep spiritual conversations. Daddy was a man of honor and integrity. He protected us and set an excellent example of what a spiritual man should be. Mommy helped to aid people into the truth and Daddy helped them to continue in Jehovah’s service. He found a way to get everlasting life for himself, his family, and everyone he could help. He was truly a spiritual man. Losing our Father is like losing an entire library. Daddy, you taught me loyalty, conviction, and to love Jehovah. We will miss you dearly. We love you Daddy! Ralph Buchanan is predeceased by son, Leon. He is survived by: his wife, Aura Buchanan; brother, Fred Buchanan; sons and daughters, Leslie Buchanan, Steven Buchanan, Kurt Buchanan, Edye Collins, Tayna Yates, Terry Buchanan, and Daisy Dagenhart; devoted sons- and daughters-in-law, Michelle Buchanan, Paula Buchanan, Donald Collins, and Richard Yates; grandchildren, Kristopher, Pepper, Buffy, Keyonna, Daymon, Kyla, Toby, Andrea, Nathan, Jason, Alicia, Kurt, Dawn, Donald (Mike), Sade’, Jeremiah, Antoine, Antoineice, Cory, Tiara, Sheena, Barry, Danielle, Devana, and 16 great-grandchildren.

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Ralph L. Buchanan

December 27, 1925 - December 2, 2012