Mr. Robert "Gray Pop" Gene Bundage

obert Gene Bundage was born June 29, 1947 to Charles Willie Bundage Sr. and Girdie Lee Robins in Magnolia, Texas. He attended public school in Magnolia, Montgomery and Jack Yates High School in Houston Texas. Robert Gene married Alma Joyce (Coleman) Bundage October 23, 1971 in Conroe,Texas.

Robert Gene came to be known as “Gray Pop” because his hair turned gray during his teenage years. During the latter part of his teenage years, he was called Bobby but, the name “Gray Pop” stuck as he is mostly know by.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army March 15, 1966 and was sent to Fort Polk South, Louisiana for basic training. During his training at Fort Polk South, he was reunited with his oldest brother, Stg. Major Charles Willie Bundage Jr., who was very instrumental in his training. After basic training, Robert was sent to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for advanced infantry and jungle training.

Robert was sent to Republic of Vietnam in February 1967. He was attached to the 196th Light Infantry Battalion, Company A for two years. He reenlisted after one year of service for two more years. During the second month of second year of his first enlistment while still in Vietnam, Robert was severely wounded in heavy combat with Vietnamese Army. He was wounded while rescuing fellow soldiers of his battalion from a blazing fire. He laid on the battlefield for 18 hours and thought to be dead. The doctors wanted to amputate both legs but, Robert refused to let that happen. They were certain he would never walk again and possibly endangered his life even more. He was transported to a hospital in Okinawa where he spent two months before being sent to the Philippines and Japan for treatment. Robert spent 3 ½ years in the V.A. Hospital. He still had his legs and was able to walk.

Robert received two purple hearts and other medals and recognition for his bravery and services. He was honorably discharged from the Army in September 1969.

Robert drove a yellow cab for some time. He loved dancing, and this inspired him to become a DJ.

Robert has spent his retirement traveling around the country leaving his laughter and love everywhere he planted his feet.

Robert transitioned from labor to reward on April 4, 2022. He leaves to cherish his wife Alma Joyce (Coleman) Bundage. His children Leshun Bundage-Horton (George), Robert Bundage Jr. and Marcus Hardaway; 6 grandchildren Laila (John), Raqiyah, Amina, Samahria and Antwone; 2 Great grandchildren De Marcus and Wyatt; brothers Jerry Bundage (Mildred), Phil Bundage, Flyod Bundage; sisters Mary Matthews, Doris Coleman, Barbia Brook (Willie), Annett Bundage, and Mary Helen Jefferson and a host of nieces, nephew, relatives, and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Charles Willie Bundage Sr. and Gridie Lee Robins. His brothers Charles Bundage and Michael Bundage. His sisters Murdis Marie Byrd and Gertie Mae Bradley.