Derrick Kelvin Bunting

Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic - Derrick Kelvin Bunting, formerly of Newburgh, went from Labor to Reward at 6 a.m. on October 20, 2007 while residing in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. He was a Retired MSgt of 27 years in the Air National Guard, Maintenance Squadron, Stewart ANG Base in Newburgh, N.Y.

Derrick was the son of the late Abram Bunting and Dorothy Bryant Griffin of New Bern, N.C.

Derrick Graduated from Newburgh Free Academy in 1979. He joined the Air force shortly after high school. He served in many capacities but mainly as a Recruiter and Aircraft Maintenance where he helped a lot of young people towards a bright future. Derrick was a member of Soul Saving Station for most of his life where he sang with the Heavenly Echoes; he helped young people find their way to Christ. He later joined Life Restoration where he served in a number of capacities one being picking up bread and passing it out to those in need. Derrick was dedicated to his daughter Shandy and her daughter Shemaiah Bryant along with his other grandchildren shared with his wife Henrietta (Pepper) Bunting. Derrick and Pepper married July 3, 2003. Before they were married, they were good friends and were in the same unit for 3 years. The traveling duo was their nickname because they were always on the road going to visit family and friends.

Derrick never minded helping those in need and never expected anything in return. If he could lift someone spirits with just listening, giving them a ride or talking about the goodness of the Lord he would do it. He loved the Lord with all of his heart.

Derrick leaves to mourn his mother Dorothy Bryant Griffin and stepfather James Griffin of New Bern, N.C.; Deacon Israel Bunting of Chester, S.C.; Spc. Dorothea Bunting of Fort Hood, Texas; stepsister Mrs. Pearline Derrello of Raleigh, N.C.; stepchildren, SFC Forte' Cunningham of Fort Hood, Texas, Raymond Cunningham and Ronald Ballard of Newburgh, N.Y., Victoria Ballard of Fort Hood, Texas; Godmother Sis. Esther Williams of New Bern, N.C.; nephews Steven & Mann Bunting of Chester, S.C.; nieces Estrece, Stephanie & Simone of Kinston, N.C., Diane Peoples of Chester, S.C.; his grandchildren, Shemaiah Bryant, Forte Jr., Dante, Justin, Trey, Tamara, Trey, Tay, Ravonte, Mia, Victoria and Jeremiah; adopted grandchildren, Sakina, Tashina, Nyasia and Godson in the Dominican Republic Adonis Lopez; his best friend's wife Olivia Stewart and family; his cousins (99) to name a few Leonard & Glenn Smith, Felicia Miller-Patterson, Clementine, Michael, Lavern & Ivan Harris, Minne, Leslie Smith, Carol Kirby, Joe Ammons, Jay Shiles, Lewis. And to all who were not named, he loved you as well. Also, sisters-in-law, Francine Bunting of Chester, S.C., Patricia Vaughan of Harrisburg, Pa., Brenda Ballard & Helena Lamb of Syracuse, N.Y. & Jacqueline Davis of Washington, D.C. & Marzella Peak of Newburgh, N.Y.; brothers-in-law, Randolph & Rudolph Davis of Newburgh, N.Y., Wyoming Derrello New Bern, N.C. & Charles & Ben Ballard of Lowell, Mass.; his Friend Thomas Wilson and Freddie Paramour, Mary Pilgrim, Betty, John, Moses, James, Ignacio, Victor, Norman; and a host of others.

Visitation will be Saturday October 27 from 9 a.m.-12 noon at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 76 First Street, Newburgh, N.Y. Services begin at 12 noon at the church. Pastor Michael McLymore Sr., Pastor of Life Restoration Church in Newburgh, officiating. Cremation will be at the convenience of the family.

Rhodes Funeral Homes, 259 Walsh Avenue, New Windsor, NY 12553 entrusted with professional arrangements. Please visit our website at www.rhodesfuneralhomes.com.