Local industrial development leader Charles Buchanan dies at age 91

Charles Buchanan, left, speaks with U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers.

A long-time leader in economic improvement, industrial recruiting and infrastructure improvements in the area died Monday at the age of 91.

Charles Buchanan, of Barbourville, passed away early Monday morning at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He leaves behind a prodigious legacy that has born fruit in the creation of one of the area’s largest industrial parks and hundreds of jobs for local residents.

“From my perspective, he was one of the top men I’ve ever met in my life,” said Alvin Sharpe, a retired professor from the University of the Cumberlands who currently serves as Director of Tourism for the City of Williamsburg and is Chairman of the Southeast Kentucky Industrial Development Authority — a board Buchanan served on since its formation.

“He was very, very conscientious about everything he’s ever done … He was a tremendous board member and really had that industrial park and the industry of southeastern Kentucky at heart. We hate to lose him.”

The SKIDA Board oversees Southeast Kentucky Regional Business Park, a 597-acre tract that borders the Corbin Bypass. Buchanan, who was a former chairman of the board, was integral in the purchase of the land for the park and its formation.
He was also an original member of the Tri-County Industrial Authority, which oversees the smaller Tri-County Industrial Park, located near the same area.

“He has served with this organization and on those two boards for 30-plus years,” said Bruce Carpenter, Director of the Corbin Economic Development Agency. “He was a very valuable board members and was always very committed to both of those authorities.”

In a statement issued Tuesday, his longtime friend, U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers, said Buchanan’s record of public service was exemplary.

Charlie Buck was one of a kind," Rogers said. "He befriended countless people across Knox and the surrounding counties. He understood the value of partnership and loyalty, and was determined to make a difference in our communities."

Rogers noted that Buchanan served on numerous boards across the region over the years.

"Charlie was also a true patriot," he added, noting Buchanan’s service in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

"My wife Cynthia and I send our deepest heartfelt sympathies to For and the host of family and friends who loved Charlie."
“Charlie devoted a tremendous amount of time helping to recruit and moving those two parks forward. He always cared a great deal about the community and those regional parks.”

Buchanan, known as “Charlie Buck” to his friends, was the owner of the former Barbourville Insurance Agency before he gave up the business to one of his children. Prior to that, he served in the United States Navy during World War II and attained the rank of Boatswains Mate First Class.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge 187 F&AM, the Oleika Shrine Temple and American Legion Post 69.  He was a former State Representative, Mayor of Barbourville and member of the State Board of Elections.  He was also a delegate to the Republican National Convention five times. 

Formerly, Buchanan served on the Southeast Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries Board of Directors and the Knox County Hospital Board.

A memorial service for Buchanan will be held today at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home.