Ted M. Bunce Sr.

STEDMAN - Ted Maxton Bunce Sr., a longtime resident of Stedman, died peacefully Sunday, April 29, 2012, at home. He was born July 25, 1934, to the late Walter and Molcie Bunce. Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann; brothers, Paul and Howard Bunce; and sisters, Oleta Griffin and Van Porcelli. Ted is survived by his daughter, Sheila Kimbel and husband Steve of St. Charles, Mo.; his sons, Maxton and wife Deborah, and Jeffrey and wife Lisa of Stedman; grandchildren, Laura, Matthew, Amanda and Jonathan Kimbel, Carin and Rhett Bunce and Lauren, Jessica and Chase Bunce; sisters, Dorothy McKeithan, Ettrice Strickland and Adel Johnson; brothers, Broadus, Randall and Dearl Bunce. Ted was a beloved father, Papa, brother and friend, who farmed in Stedman for more than 70 years. A founding member of Bunce Brothers Farms, he farmed most recently with his sons and nephew. He was inducted into the Cumberland County Agriculture Hall of Fame last November. He inspired other young farmers by example and through annual scholarships funded by Stedman Farmer's Day, which he co-founded and sponsored with his family. An avid fisherman, he enjoyed teaching others about his passion and sharing his bountiful catches. He was a member of Stedman Baptist Church and served as a deacon for more than 55 years. Services: Visitation, 6 to 8 tonight, Thursday, May 3, 2012, at Butler Funeral Home in Stedman. Funeral, 11 a.m. Friday, May 4, 2012, in Stedman Baptist Church with burial to follow in Fisher Cemetery in Stedman. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stedman Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 190, Stedman, NC 28391. Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home of Stedman.