Raymond M. Buchanan, Jr. Saltville, Va. Raymond Madison Buchanan, Jr. was born in Rich Valley, Virginia on August 4, 1933. He was the son of Raymond Madison Buchanan, Sr and Lila Barns "Tiddle" Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Janavee Carter Buchanan, twin brother Richard, oldest brother Tate, younger twin brothers Preston and Patrick, and sister Nancy Buchanan Durham. Survivors include his daughter Mary Rachel Buchanan, son Big Tom Buchanan and wife Sandy; grandchildren Bo Buchanan, Tisha and husband Eddie Briggs, and Stacy Taylor (Matt Justus); great grandchildren Kayla Carrier (Will Cardwell), Dyson Briggs, Olivia Briggs, Tommi Lane Buchanan and Kain Buchanan; sister-in-law Lois Buchanan, sister-in-law Janice Perkins and brother in-law Jim Carter. He also had 11 nieces and nephews. Throughout high school Raymond played football and basketball alongside his twin brother. As a young adult he was part of a semi-pro basketball team, the Rich Valley Bulls, where he and brother Richard were star players. Raymond was dedicated to his faith, his family, and the farming community. He was a lifelong member of the Rich Valley Presbyterian Church. He served as a deacon, an elder, and the treasurer for many years. He was committed to the success of the weekly religious education program. This program provides weekday bible teaching to Rich Valley elementary students. Rich Valley Elementary was the first school in Smyth County to have the bible program. This program meant so much to Raymond that he organized an annual chicken barbeque that raised enough funds to secure the service of a qualified bible teacher and a school bus. He took great pride in the nearly 100% student participation rate in this program. His family called him Poppy and Big Pops. He was the heart and soul of his family and a father figure to many. When not on the farm, he could be found watching his children, grand-children, and great- grandchildren competing in athletic and community events. His Rich Valley roots ran very deep, and he carried on the legacy of the Buchanan family farm. Raymond grew up on the family farm where he worked beside his father Raymond "Ray Buck" Buchanan Sr. and his four brothers where they grew tobacco, corn, hay and raised several hundred head of livestock. Following high school graduation Raymond stepped into the family partnership with his father to help operate the farm. Carrying on the family tradition, Raymond continued farming in partnership with his son Big Tom and grandson, Bo. Raymond was a state livestock grader for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and was known as one of the top graders in the country. He was a member of the Virginia Cattleman's Association and in 2004 was named the Virginia Cattlemen's Association Cattleman of the Year. He had also served as president of the Young Farmer's Association. His family received the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce Farm Family of the year. He also served on the Smyth County School Board. He was a past President and was an instrumental figure of the Rich Valley Fair where he served as director and chairman of various committees for many years. One of his final wishes was fulfilled by spending his recent birthday on his front porch at his home in beautiful Rich Valley surrounded by family and friends. The family will receive friends from 12 until 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17 at the home in Rich Valley, VA. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. at the Rich Valley Presbyterian Church with Rev. Stan Dunham and Rev. Michael Klumpp officiating. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Raymond Buchanan family. The family would like to thank Abingdon Health & Rehab Center and Caris Hospice. In lieu of flowers donations can made to Rich Valley Council of Churches to support the Elementary School Weekday Religious Education Program. The address is 4505 Valley Road, Saltville, VA 24370. Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Raymond Madison Buchanan, Jr.