Obituary: William Franklin ‘Bill’ Bunch

William Franklin “Bill” Bunch, age 83, a resident of Oliver Springs, passed away Thursday, August 28, 2014, at his home.

Mr. Bunch was born September 25, 1930, in Clinton. During his early childhood, he lived in California before moving back to Tennessee in 1942. He graduated from the Oliver Springs High School in 1949. While in high school, he played football, and he served as the team captain.

Following his high school graduation, he entered into the United States Army, and he served his country during the Korean War.

After his military discharge, he returned back to Tennessee and began employment at Martin Marietta, where he continued his occupation as a machinist until his retirement in 1988.

He was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord and he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Kellytown Baptist Church for 35 years. He later continued his service to the Lord as a member at New Fairview Baptist Church.

He was an avid football fan, and he also enjoyed flower gardening, especially roses, traveling in the United States and Europe, and golfing.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Bunch and Sally Mullens Bunch; by his mother-in-law, Mable Wright; by a brother-in-law, Tom Aiken; by a sister-in-law, Margaret Wright; by nephews, Barry and Randy Aiken; and by a longtime friend, Lonnie Dawson.

Mr. Bunch was a devoted husband, father, “papaw,” and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara Wright Bunch of Oliver Springs; daughters, Sharon Hamby and husband Carlie, and Billie Gaye Harper and husband Tony, all of Oliver Springs; by O.J. Taylor of Loudon, Tennessee, whom he considered as a son; grandchildren, Derek Black and wife Claire Raj of Columbia, South Carolina, Chelsea Harper, and Anthony Clint Harper of Oliver Springs; and by great-grandchildren; Rohan William Black and Malina Lali Black.

Additionally, he is survived by a sister-in-law, Margaret Aiken of Harriman; by brother-in-laws, Leonard Wright of Tampa, Florida, and Robert “Glen” Wright and wife Betty of Denver, Colorado; by a special friend, Joyce Dawson of Coalfield; and by several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family received friends Saturday, August 30, between 1 and 3 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. Graveside services and burial followed at 3 p.m. at the Oliver Springs Cemetery, with Pastors John Edwards and Matt Reed officiating.

In addition to flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Oliver Springs Historical Society.

The family expresses their appreciation to Professional Case Management of Avalon Hospice.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at sharpfh.com.