William C. "Billie" Bunch

William C. “Billie” Bunch entered into heaven on Tuesday March 25, 2014. He was 84 years of age upon his passing and was surrounded by his sons and family members. He grew up in South Norfolk, Virginia as the son of John and Mildred Bunch. Billie graduated from South Norfolk High School in 1947. After high school he worked briefly for the Norfolk Shipyard. He was married to Patsy Pugh from South Norfolk and was happily married for 44 years until her passing in 1998.

Mr. Bunch was enlisted in the Virginia Army National Guard Army Reserve from 1948 -1981 as Chief Warrant Officer CW4. Upon retiring from the Virginia National Guard in 1981, he served in the Army Reserve from 1981-1999 at which time he was given an honorary status in the Virginia Defense Force, Department of Military Affairs Commonwealth of Virginia from 1999 - 2004 and retired as Colonel. He was a Founding Charter member of the Ocean View Kiwanis Club, and was a member for over 38 years. Billie worked for the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company which later became Bell Atlantic and retired with over 33 years of service.

He is survived by a brother, Francis Brett Bunch and wife Phyllis Lamkin of Boykins, Virginia;

three sons, Jeffrey S. Bunch and his wife Susan Cooley of Athens, Ohio; William C. Bunch, Jr. and his wife Holly Durham of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and J. Wesley Bunch of Jackson, Wyoming.

He is survived by three grandchildren, Scott and Christopher Bunch of Athens, Ohio; and Chappell Bunch of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Billie is also leaving behind countless family members, very special nieces and nephews, two loving sister-in-laws, and friends all of which loved and adored him.

The family would like to personally thank our father's longtime friend Cathy Brown for being so wonderful and caring.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 27 from 6-8pm at the Smith and Williams Funeral Home, 4889 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA.

The funeral service will be held at 2pm on Friday March 28 at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. You may offer your condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com.