Alfonzo Grady Buchanan was born 2/11/1890 in the Hawk Community of Mitchell County to Jefferson and Polly Elizabeth Burleson Buchanan. Many remember him as “Little Fonzer.”

In the available formal documents that he completed he listed his occupation as Baptist Minister, which is reflected on his memorial marker: “An ordained Minister for 55 years.” Confirming ordination has been a challenge; however, newspaper clips from the time indicate that he presided at funerals, and he has been confirmed as having been a pastor at the Cane Creek Baptist Church in Mitchell County.

Fonzer is often recalled for his tireless missionary work, driving county roads and town streets with his little pump organ that he kept in the trunk of his car. He would stop along the road or in downtown, play or sing some hymns, and then proceed to preach, reaching out from the huge speakers on the top of his car.

It was said that Fonzer always wore a dress jacket which he flicked out when he sat down to play. Also, that he sometimes placed a picture of his Mother on the organ as he played; although it is doubtful that the picture shown is his Mother.

He did make one 45 rpm recording of himself singing which he sold for a dollar each. In early July of 1966, A.G. Buchanan, widower, died at the age of 76 in a local automobile accident. As he had requested, his recording was played repeatedly at the viewing.

Fonzer Buchanan; his wife, Ruth C. Jones Buchanan, sisters Dora Buchanan, Nettie Buchanan, Donia Buchanan, and Ruby Buchanan; and his mother, Polly Elizabeth Burleson Buchanan.