Mark Johnson Buchanan, 63, of Franklin, NC, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after an extended illness.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Molton Leon Buchanan and Beulah Annie Mae Johnson Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant sister, Carole Buchanan.

Mark worked as a heavy equipment operator for several local construction companies and spent much of his life working throughout Western North Carolina. He was a faithful member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church.

Mark deeply loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing with his daughter Sherri, spending quiet time surrounded by nature, and in his younger years, riding horses and hunting squirrel and possum. He especially cherished sitting outside in silence, simply listening to the sounds of nature around him. He also had a love for classic rock music, which brought him great enjoyment throughout his life. Mark was known for his warm sense of humor and his natural gift for joking with those around him.

He is survived by his daughters, Tiffany Stilwell (Jerry “Zeus”) and Sherri Marie Buchanan; three grandchildren, Victoria, Abigayle, and Gabriel Stilwell; siblings Leon Buchanan II (Glenda), Yvonne Shelton, Bruce Buchanan (Joan), Bennie Buchanan (Barbara), and Rebecca Lynn Garrish (John); along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 21, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Macon Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Greg Rogers officiating. Burial will be in the Ridgecrest Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gabe Stilwell, Preston Buchanan, Zachary Buchanan, Shawn Shelton, Peyton Shelton, and Devin Buchanan.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.