[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15683-15684]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGAL CAREER OF MARCELLUS BUCHANAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. 
Marcellus Buchanan, a veteran of the Second World War, a devoted and 
passionate attorney, solicitor, and a 3-term member of the North 
Carolina General Assembly. Mr. Buchanan was born on September 30, 1923 
in Jackson County, North Carolina. He went on to attend western North 
Carolina Teacher's College until called into service during World War 
II. During the war he served in the European Theater with the United 
States Army Air Corp. When he came home, he married Jane Poteet of 
Sylva, started a family and resumed his studies. Mr. Buchanan attended 
Chapel Hill Law School before moving back to Western North Carolina to 
start what would become a long and successful legal career. He served 
as the attorney for the town of Sylva for many years and served 3 terms 
in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Mr. Buchanan was also a 
devoted Master Mason who belonged to the Dillsboro Lodge No. 459.
  In 1967, Mr. Buchanan became the Solicitor for the 30th Prosecutorial 
District of North Carolina. During his 20-year tenure he was known for 
his great oratory skills and love of humor. He retired from his 
position having won the respect and admiration of many judges, 
attorneys, and Jackson County residents for his commitment and 
dedication to his profession.

[[Page 15684]]

  Upon his retirement, Mr. Buchanan spent his remaining years with his 
growing family. His son, Marcellus Buchanan IV married Ronda Sorrell, 
with whom he has had two daughters and two granddaughters. He is a 
veteran law enforcement official and SBI supervisor. Mr. Buchanan's 
daughter, Christina, an attorney and former Assistant District 
Attorney, married David Matheson and has a daughter, son and grandson. 
Mr. Buchanan also used his retirement to co-author a book entitled 
``Disorder in the Court,'' in which he captured many of his courtroom 
experiences as only a master storyteller could do.
  On July 7, 2000, Mr. Marcellus Buchanan passed away due to a battle 
with lung cancer. He left a legacy of community service, judicial 
fairness and, most of all, commitment to his family. Madam Speaker, I 
urge my colleagues to join me in commending the life of this great man.

                          ____________________