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Charles Allen "Nick" Bunce Jr.

Charles Bunce Obituary

Mr. Charles Allen "Nick" Bunce Jr. died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, after an extraordinary six-year battle with lung cancer. He was born Aug. 29, 1946, to Charles Allen Bunce Sr. and Gladys Bowles Shelton in Winston-Salem. A phenomenal father and grandfather, he is survived by his son, Charles Norman Bunce, daughter-in-law Caroline and grandchildren Griffin and Tyler Bunce of Raleigh; daughter, Amy Bunce Reilly and her husband Jack and grandchildren Hailey, Emma and Jack Reilly of Greensboro; son, John Christopher Bunce of Winston-Salem; his sister, Rachel Bunce; and a special friend, Anne Rutledge Smith ("her efforts doing research, after there were no local options offering treatments, sent me to the Duke Cancer Center where I could get clinical trials"), and her sons, Rutledge and Raymond. Mr. Bunce was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys Bowles Shelton, and survived by his father, Charles Allen Bunce Sr. He greatly appreciated the staff at Duke and was a model patient for his favorite physician, Dr. Jennifer Garst, Medical Director, Duke Cancer Center. Starting from scratch, Nick Bunce created an astounding career by working hard and smart. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a true American original, showing ingenuity, conscientiousness, integrity and a unique sense of good humor. Rarely does one meet a man with such intestinal fortitude, drive and compassion for his fellow man. He loved to eat, and enjoyed sharing his favorite foods with friends. He especially enjoyed playing golf and cards. He always wanted to help or give something to everyone. Extremely successful in business, Nick was truly an innovator and was a master negotiator. He struck out on his own starting several businesses that his family and partners carry on today. Additionally, he was a consultant in acquisitions and mergers for many companies, including Wayne Huizenga and his Republic Industries. Other activities included owning Foster and Hailey Heating and Plumbing for several years, and he was a co-founder of several restaurants and served on boards including Triad Bank. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Cherry St. in Winston-Salem. The highlight of his battle was when a group of his friends established a nonprofit fund that makes annual gifts to Brenner Children's Hospital, Hospice and The Duke Cancer Center. Memorials may be sent to The Nick Bunce Friendship Fund, c/o The Winston-Salem Foundation 860 W. Fifth St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Winston-Salem Journal from Feb. 19 to Feb. 26, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bunce

16 Entries

Greg Hill

March 14, 2006

I was saddened today to learn of Nick's passing. In addition to being a classmate, Nick and I were coworkers for several years with Brenner Industries. I will always remember his being involved with Mr Barbecue and Pig Pickings. Nick will be missed at our upcoming 40th class reunion. Nick was one who really knew how to enjoy life.

Diane Booras Pfefferkorn

March 2, 2006

Rachel,

I just heard of Nick's passing, and I am so sad. I want you to know that I am thinking of you all.

He will always be remembered as a very special, personable person who never met a stranger.

Wayne and Linda Juchatz

February 28, 2006

We will remember Nick with great fondness as friend, father, and former next-door neighbor. His quick wit, his generous spirit, and his compassion have enriched our lives. Nick's was a life well-lived and loved. We share with Nick's many friends and with his children,Norman, Amy and Chris, our sympathy and our memory of the dignity and love of a wonderful man. Linda and Wayne Juchatz

Rick and Sue Chappell

February 27, 2006

Rarely in ones life, you meet someone who leaves behind lasting memories, be it a smile or a way to accomplish something once thought hard to do, when things were explained applying “Nickonomics” they always became so simple.

And having been on the receiving end of "the masters" negotiating skills on more than one occasion, at the end of the deal I found we made a whole lot more than a profit, we made a friend.

The single quality that stood out the most in my eyes was his love for his family, his mother and how he spoke of “The Prince” every time we talked. Nick came to see me after my father passed away, even though he knew the road he was traveling was the same, he never stopped being Nick.

The Bible says we are to comfort one another (and Nick did), it also says for if we believe that Jesus died and rose again (as Nick believed). the dead in Christ will rise first. Nick always like being first.

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians (4: 13-18)

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3: 16-18).

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do " (Eph. 2:8,9).

" If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved " (Romans 10:9, 10).

To this day, I can never look at a bottle of Orange Crush without smiling and thinking about you. Till we meet again, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.

Gene and Betty Petty

February 26, 2006

Rarely in the course of a lifetime do we have the privilege to have someone like Nick to share our lives. Nick was truly one of those persons, a great friend and partner in business. We will miss him greatly today and forever. Nick reminded us during his last days that we would always have our memorys. And what great memories they were!!

Chip Crutchfield

February 24, 2006

Norman,

I have a lot of great memories of your Dad. I remember how excited he was during our days of playing basketball at the Central YMCA when YOU were scoring all of our teams points! I also have great memories of our Indian Guide days, working for him (my first job) at I Can't Believe It's Yogurt and even sledding down Arbor Rd.

Your family will always have a special place in my families. He certainly was a great man and will be missed!

Jennifer Nugent

February 22, 2006

I was so sorry to hear about your father Chris. From everything that I heard about him, he was a wonderful father and a dear friend to others. I am here if you need to talk or if you just need a friend. I think the world of you and I will always be here for you. My thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family.

Mrs. Nugent

Ann Marie Jarvis-Jones

February 22, 2006

Every once in awhile, you have the opportunity to witness strength,intelligence, sensitivity and love wrapped up in one person...just to name a few of NICK's fantastic qualities....he truly was an angel of a guy....Norman,my sincere sympathy and Love...Ann(your mama-in-law)

Douglas Beck

February 21, 2006

Nick and I were very good friends all through High School. He was very genuine and always a lot of fun to be around. I haven't seen him in a while and did not know of his illness. He will surly be missed by all. Good-by Ole' friend.

Doug Owen

February 20, 2006

My company landscaped for Nick and during that time he tipped my guys, bought them lunches and gave them a 50lb. box of peanuts. I observed him giving bonuses to Sanitation workers as well. I asked Nick how he could have so much energy and enthusiasm every day. He told me that for him, every day alive is a blessing. Nick's outlook on life will stay with me when I face problems in my future. How lucky for those who loved him, to be so touched by such a positive personality.

Jay Katz

February 20, 2006

Having grown up with Nicky, I have many fond memories of our friendship,good times and laughter we had together. He will surely be missed.

Steve Gower

February 20, 2006

Norm, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know he was a fine man and a great father. He certainly has a great son who I know he was very proud of. The good memories will remain long after the pain of loss is gone. We'll keep you and your family in our prayers.

Brad Juchatz

February 19, 2006

Nick was a fine man with a rare combination of intelligence, humor, drive and compassion. He had a way of improving and enriching the lives of all who he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed and our best wishes go to his family and friends-he was proud of all of you.

Randy Spell

February 19, 2006

Amy, Pam and I are very sorry, our prayers and best wishes are with you, Jack and the family during your time of sorrow. We love you all.

Jackie Ezzard

February 19, 2006

I am so saddened by Nick's death. I met Nick years ago and was the legal secretary who worked for the attorney who handled Nick's work. He was a fine man, a good friend and was extremely generous. He always had a smile for us all. I pray that God's loving presence will surround you with peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Kenner Amos

February 19, 2006

What a guy...always a friend.

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