A. C. "Junior" Buchanan

A.C. “Junior” Buchanan, 70, of Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, passed away, Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Stein Hospice Center, Sandusky, Ohio. The son of A.C. and Wilma Jo (Sanders) Buchanan, Sr., he was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 5, 1951. He graduated from Port Clinton High School, Class of 1970. Junior married the love of his life, Virginia K. (Hall), on July 17, 1971, in Marblehead and just celebrated their 51 ^st wedding anniversary.

Junior was a mechanic his entire life, starting in high school with auto mechanics’ class. He went on to work for the Sandusky Speedway, holding various positions over the years, becoming the general manager, a position he held from 1994 until his retirement in 2000. Racing was in his blood and after he retired, he started helping his sons with their racing teams. He also was the service manager for Fanmark Tire, of Port Clinton for 20 years and a boat mechanic for Mike’s Dockside Service in Lakeside Marblehead until his last retirement in 2021.

Racing was Junior’s life, and he taught his family the racing ways as well. His sons were with him at the racetrack starting at a very young age and to this day, they share his passion. Junior’s favorite NASCAR driver was Bill Elliott whom he followed throughout his career. He also enjoyed fishing in Lake Erie, was a fan of the Miami Dolphins and OSU football, and an avid golfer, pastime shared with his sons and brothers.

Junior is survived by his loving wife, Virginia, sons, Todd (Susan) and Brian (Jennie), grandchildren, Andrew (Hannah) Turinsky, Brooke, Austin and Beau Buchanan, great grandchildren, Logan and Addie Turinsky, and siblings, Cathy (Ken) Priddy, Alan (Sarah) Buchanan, Mark (Kirra) Buchanan, Joe (Jacqueline) Buchanan, Julie (Donald) Messersmith and Pamela (Bob) Jensen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Timothy Buchanan, sister, Barbara Cowan and brother, Michael Buchanan.

Family and friends are encouraged to come and share their stories and experiences at a celebration of Junior’s life from 2:00-8:00 PM, Friday, August 5, 2022, at the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 216 Washington St., Port Clinton, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family and condolences shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com