12-07-2025
Community impact of Buchanan family shown through memorial
A memorial created in memory of the Buchanan family who died in a plane crash earlier this week continues to grow as people drop off flowers, stuffed animals and figurines in front of Buchanan Farms on Broadway Road.
Friends, relatives and the Lee County community will bid a final farewell Monday at a funeral service.
The deaths of the Buchanans — Travis, 35, Candace, 35, their daughter Aubrey Renee, 10, and son Walker Wayne, 9, — have devastated many Lee County residents.
Travis founded Buchanan Farms, well-known for its produce market and the site of festivals, fellowship and fun. Travis grew tobacco, produce and other crops on his land.
As director of the Lee County Cooperative Extension office, Bill Stone had many chances to work with the Buchanans.
'What always stood out to me about Travis and Candace is how innovative and fearless they were to try new things on their farm,' he said. 'Whether it was the launch of the farm stand a few years ago or the coordination of a number of successful festivals that welcomed visitors from across the region, they never shied away from a challenge,' Stone said.
Teresa Dew Kelly is a Broadway commissioner and is the director of Regional Development for the Sandhills Branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. She is the former director of the Christian United Outreach Center.
'They donated food from their farm to people who needed it,' Kelly said. 'They were totally committed to the Broadway area to bring people in. It's just been real devastating for a lot of people that they touched,' Kelly said.
Stone agreed.
'They also lifted up and supported a number of other local businesses, whether it was hosting vendors or food trucks at special events or collaborating with other small businesses to promote and showcase their products at the Buchanan Farm stand,' he said.
Several residents have posted their feelings about the deaths of the family and paid homage to them as well. Other produce farming operations have posted their sympathies as well.
'We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of the Buchanan family. Travis was not only a loyal customer, but a true friend to me and everyone at Thomas Tire,' Dale Talbert wrote on Facebook. 'From the very beginning of his logging days, he was someone we respected, enjoyed working with and deeply admired.'
Buchanan Farm was indeed a family farm operation with friends and relatives often coming to lend a hand, Stone said.
'Through hard work and tremendous passion, their operation grew quickly. I also think their success can be attributed to how much value Travis and Candace placed on engaging the community in their farming operation,' Stone said.
'I was looking back through photos from their Strawberry Festival this past May, and the smiles and joy on the faces of the visitors spoke volumes about the positive impact the Buchanans had on the lives of so many and the lasting legacy they'll leave behind.'
