William R. Buchanan II

Bill Buchanan, age 82, went to his heavenly home on July 3, 2026. He was born on December 4, 1943 in Raton, NM and grew up in Albuquerque. He was the son of the late W.R. Buchanan and Sarah Buchanan. He was preceded in death by his sister Erin Fulmer, his son Lee Roy Buchanan, and infant grandchild Leah Grace Buchanan.

Bill graduated from Sandia High School and served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He continued his education at the University of NM earning BA and MA degrees. He retired from Albuquerque Public Schools where he was a Special Ed teacher, a diagnostician, a counselor, and administrator. Bill is survived by his wife Sandra, daughter Renee Cockrell and husband Phil, two granddaughters, Miriam Kwan and husband Ben, and Leela Buchanan; grandson Ben Cockrell and wife Hanna, and two great granddaughters, Lora and Lucy Cockrell. Bill is also survived by his sister Sarabeth Counsellor as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Bill loved Jesus, his Savior, and was faithfully involved in spreading the gospel through Northdale Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing his guitars with the Northdale Praise Team for many years. He was also an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 11:00 AM at Northdale Baptist Church, 123 Osuna Rd NW, Albuquerque NM, 87107 with Pastors Mike Hay and Daniel Porter officiating. Family and close friends will gather at the Santa Fe National Cemetery the following day where Bill's ashes will be laid to rest with military honors bestowed.