Dorothy Hailey “Dot” Buchanan passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of July 23, 2022. Dot was born to Dr. and Mrs. David Hailey in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 16, 1929. She attended Ward Belmont Preparatory School and graduated from Vanderbilt University. Among many things, Dot taught at Auburn University and provided mathematical support to projects including Buckminster Fuller’s original design calculations for his geodesic dome and Wernher von Braun’s aerospace team at NASA. Dot moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida in 1960 and was the engine behind numerous family business endeavors including Buchanan Oil Company, the first National Car Rental Franchise in Fort Walton Beach and the family construction business. She became a real estate agent at 54 years old and was a mighty presence at ERA American Real Estate from 1983 until her retirement in 2018. Dot served as the Queen of the Krewe of Bowlegs for Captain Billy XVII, Cliff Long. Of all of her accomplishments, Dot was most proud of her family. She is survived by her four children: Son James (Buck) Buchanan, Jr. (Renee), Son David Buchanan (Debbie), Daughter Lanier Cooper (James), Daughter Louise McAdoo (Bruce), sister Mary Anne Capeci and her nieces Kathleen Albert and Margaret Chambers. She was so proud of her grandchildren: Ron Buchanan (Virginia), Chris Buchanan (Tiffany), Hailey Looney (Michael), Macey Buchanan (Fiancé Ben Schaeffler), Alyssa Cooper, Carly Cooper, Emily Cooper, Liam McAdoo, Will McAdoo, and great-grandchildren Jeanne Feazel, Madilyn Looney, Hayden Looney, Levi Buchanan, and soon to be born, Lyla Claire Buchanan. The family would like to offer a special Thank You to Dot’s wonderful Home Instead Caregivers and Emerald Coast Hospice. She loved and appreciated you all very much.
Per Dot’s wishes, a Celebration of Life Party for Dot’s friends and family will be held at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club on Saturday, September 10th at 5:00 PM to remember the good times, celebrate a life well-lived and pay our final respects.
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