Obituary of Willie B. Buchanan

Willie B. Buchanan transitioned from this life peacefully on February 4, 2020. He was born to the late George E. Buchanan Sr., and Ora B. Buchanan-White on February 6, 1937 in Okolona, Mississippi. Willie attended elementary and secondary school in Okolona, Mississippi, and later received his G.E.D. from Kalamazoo Public Schools. Willie lived out his adult life in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a member of St. Mark Baptist Church, under the leadership of his now deceased brother, Rev. John A. Buchanan. Willie was a diligent worker, he was employed by Engle Volkswagen, followed by Don Seeyle Ford as an automobile reconditioning specialist for many years, and later he drove the head start school bus for Kalamazoo County before retiring. Willie was an avid fisherman and hunter, his favorite pastime was watching sports and old western shows on T.V. Willie often played cards with his four best friends Fred Cunningam, Cecil Moore, Verdell Franks, and Newessie Hughes, known as “baby doll”. Willie enjoyed taking his family for long rides out in the country and for ice cream. Willie was known for always whistling a tune and having a big grin on his face. He was called “ThomCat”, as a nick name by his family and friends. He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, George, John, and Michael Buchanan; 1 sister, Lois Kyles; and step-father, Wilford White. Willie leaves to cherish his memory; Betty Buchanan, mother of his children; 3 daughters, Patricia (Ernest) Thomas, Arlene Buchanan, and Darlene (Loyal) Zackery, Jr.;2 step-children; Mary and Ricky Dixon, all of Kalamazoo; 1 brother, George (Sharon) Buchanan; 1 sister, Elenora Buchanan, both of Kalamazoo; 4 grandsons, Troy (Michelle) Gilleylen, of Battle Creek, MI, Landon Thomas, Jordan Thomas, and Terrell (Cathy) Zackery; 1 granddaughter; Shayla Zackery, all of Kalamazoo, MI; 3 great-grandsons, Evan Gilleylen of Athens, MI, Jackson and Trevon Zackery both of Kalamazoo; 1 great-granddaughter, Eryn Gilleylen of Athens, MI; 2 sister-in-laws, Esther and Creola Buchanan both of Kalamazoo; 1 aunt, Mary Kate Gibson of Kalamazoo, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.