Earl C. Bunch Jr.

Earl C. Bunch Jr. CHESAPEAKE - Earl C. Bunch Jr., 84, went home to be with the Lord March 13, 2008 peacefully with his loving family by his side at home. He was the son of the late Earl C. Bunch Sr. and Sallie Conner Bunch. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 30 years, Dorothy N. Bunch; his son, Joseph Ewell Jr.; his loving sister, Ruth Spencer; brother, Glenn Bunch; his son-in-law, James "Cricket" Humphries; as well as a very close friend, Sammy E. Peebles Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory a daughter, Gloria Jean Tappe; two granddaughters, Denise Humphries and husband Robert B. Dietrich, Sheila Esthay and husband Marty; three great-grandchildren, Krista Grimm, Stefan and Allison Esthay; a sister, Helen Gallop; two brothers, David and Ralph Bunch; a host of dearly loved nieces and nephews and their children; his dear friend and companion, Marie Jones; a longtime friend and neighbor, Bud Castellow; and son-in-law, George Grimm. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to his wonderful caregivers, Betty, Brenda, Minnie and Barbara. Born in Rich Square, N.C., Earl was affectionately referred to as "Bunch" by his family. He was a retired Merchant Marine and a retired machinist for Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He was a member of Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a deacon, was a member of the Friendly Men's Bible class and former groundskeeper. As a member of the South Norfolk Moose Lodge No. 464, he was honored in August 2003 with a lifetime membership award for 50 years of continuous membership with the lodge. Earl was treasured by all who knew him and will be dearly missed. His many incredible family and friends gave him such joy. He always felt fortunate for that great gift. His enormous heart, unconditional love and compassion for people made him the very special person he was. His legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him. In celebration of Earl's life the family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home, Greenbrier Chapel, Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. and all other times at the home of Denise Humphries. The funeral will be held Monday at 2:30 p.m. in Raleigh Heights Baptist Church, with Pastor Jim Thompson and the Rev. Henry Napier officiating. Burial will follow in Rosewood Memorial Park, Virginia Beach. Memorial contributions may be made to Raleigh Heights Baptist Church Youth Missions, 1000 Crowell Ave., Chesapeake, VA, 23324. Please share a memory with the family at www.grahamfuneralhome.com