Michael Bunner

Michael Kenneth Bunner, a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, Navy veteran, and quietly brilliant man, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with his daughter Ashley and dear friends by his side.

Michael served his country with honor in the United States Navy during the 1970s aboard the USS George Bancroft, where he worked as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor. That same dedication carried into a distinguished career of more than two decades with Bechtel, much of it spent in the former Soviet Union contributing to biological threat reduction efforts. Among his proudest professional accomplishments were the five years he spent working on the New Safe Confinement project at the Chernobyl nuclear site.

Michael was defined by his remarkable generosity and steadfast faith. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Deborah Lynn Bunner, he found comfort in simple routines - time with his cherished French bulldogs, lunches visiting friends at Water Into Water and Chop House, and stops at Dixie Lee Wines & Liquors, where he adored the staff and conversation - a reflection of how deeply he valued connection and familiar faces.

Michael is now reunited in heaven with Deborah, his soulmate; his parents; and his "soul dog," Lola. While we imagine Deborah only packed Pinot Grigio, we've promised Mike we'll make sure some Coors Light finds its way there too.

Michael leaves behind daughters Ashley, Shannon, Tracy, and Kelly, stepdaughter Amanda, cherished grandchildren, brothers Mark and Al, sister Alberta, and dear friends Larry, Steve, and Bernard.

Michael Kenneth Bunner leaves behind a legacy shaped by service, generosity, faith, and a life lived with depth and complexity. Though his absence is deeply felt, so too is the gratitude for having known a man whose intellect, loyalty, and presence touched many lives across the globe.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held in April in Knoxville, Tennessee.