Joseph E. Buchan

Our beloved Joseph Eugene “Gene” Buchan passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday, February 7th, 2022, at the age of 79. Following a courageous battle with COVID-19, he ultimately succumbed to secondary complications. He was born in Wayne County, NC to Versie Mae and George Calvin Buchan on July 18th, 1942.

Gene served in the US Navy from 1961 – 1966. During his time stationed on the USS Salisbury, he further developed his passion as a barber. After working to perfect his craft in the Navy, several Full Bird Colonels wrote recommendation letters on his behalf allowing him to bypass official barber school and directly take the Master Barber test based on his exceptional skill.

Over the years, Gene worked diligently to develop uniquely remarkable techniques, including utilizing a straight razor, to advance his hairstyling skill. He was awarded two bronze medals for classic short hair and fashion long hair in 1973 and won the silver medallion for the Roffler Hairstyling Olympics in 1974. His passion for his craft and innovative thinking led him to invent a specialized hairstyling tool which obtained a US Patent in 2013.

Ambition, passion, entrepreneurial drive, and a desire to provide for his family propelled Gene to open his own barbershop, Gene’s Master Cuts, in 2004 located in the center of uptown Charlotte, NC. His immense success is attributed to his exceptional skill and warm friendly nature. Patrons quickly became friends and received a welcoming smile, genuine care, the occasional “good gracious! I accidentally buzzed a spot!” prank, and many would say the best haircut they’ve ever received in their life.

Above all, Gene dearly loved his family. Every encounter began and ended with “I love you so much, you’re so very special to me.” As hard as he worked in his career, it paled in comparison to the efforts he undertook to demonstrate love to his family through word and action. He is survived by a large and loving family; his wife, Carolyn; sister, Mary Ann; children (and spouses), Carmen (Ronnie), Kristine (Bobby), Cathryn (Bryant), Cameron (Lauren), Jamey (Alyssa), and Courtland; grandchildren Caleb, Natalie, Jacob, Noah, Jonah, Lori, Jackson, Leah, Mia, Hayden, Adam Gene, and Violet. Gene is predeceased by his parents Versie Mae and George Calvin; and older brother Calvin Earl.

Words are inadequate to describe Gene’s beautifully kindhearted demeanor and loving nature. He touched the lives of so many through selfless acts of service, kind words, and sincere care. His impact and influence in this life will live on through the many people who emulate his exemplary characteristics. ‘Till we meet again.

A visitation for Gene will be held from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm Friday, February 11, 2022, at McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill, North Carolina. A funeral service will held at 12:00 pm Saturday, February 12, 2022, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2500 Rocky River Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road in Charlotte, North Carolina.