Douglas E. Bunch Blue Ridge, Georgia Obituary

Douglas E. Bunch

Douglas Edward Bunch, born June 24, 1945, unexpectedly passed away on September 12, 2021, at his home in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The son of Norma Dale and Douglas Calhoun Bunch, Doug was born in Charleston, South Carolina. After graduation from Murray High School, he joined the United States Air Force and served until 1969. He met his beloved wife Tonya Marie in Denver, Colorado, and on August 21, 1970, he and Toni were married in Anchorage, Alaska. Among several celebrations of their 50th wedding anniversary, Doug and Toni revisited their first home in Alaska. Doug worked as an electrician, retiring in 2013 as a project manager from H. R. Allen Electrical And Mechanical Contractors. Doug's adventurous spirit encompassed many and varied interests, including marathons, triathlons, hiking, sailing Hobie Cats, bicycling, motorcycling, pit crewman for a Porsche race team, restoring classic cars, fly fishing with self-crafted fly rods and flies. He also loved all music, especially classic rock, big band, blues, and the Seed and Feed Marching Abominables. Memberships included the Charleston Porsche Club, Alaska Pulsators Running Club, and Motorcyclists Cafe. Doug was also an enthusiastic sports fan and an avid follower of Duke Men's Basketball. Among his many loves throughout his life were his dogs: Labs: Ralph and Floyd, and Dachshunds: Freida, Augie, Gus, Max, Chloe, Sophie, and Sadie. Proud of his skills learned as an Eagle Scout, Doug credited that knowledge with much of his success in outdoor pursuits. In his retirement years, his major focus was landscaping and renovating his home in Blue Ridge. His talents honed over the years were evident in the woodworking and electrical innovations in his home. In helping his many friends with renovating their homes, Doug also shared his skills and interests. Doug is survived by Toni, his sister, Sue Chanson, nieces Rhonda Chanson and Erin McWhorter and grand nieces, Lauren Hamilton (Craig), Megan Folden (Aaryn), and Caroline McWhorter. In addition, his survivors include sisters-in-law, Pamela Clark (Rob) and Cindy Davis (Jim), brother in law, Michael Pozzo, and nephews, Adam Vilander (Karmen) and Matthew Vilander (Allison). The most important person in Doug's life was his adored and cherished wife Toni, his best friend, his life partner and his true North. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.CochranFuneralHomes.com.
June 24, 1945 - September 12, 202106/24/194509/12/2021
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Eric Thoresen
October 13, 2021
I didn't know Doug very well, but am sad to hear of his passing. He was a regular in gym in the mornings and always put a smile on my face with his quick witt and storytelling. I am very sorry for your family's loss.
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Stephen Woodford
September 18, 2021
Toni, we are deeply saddened upon hearing of Doug’s passing. He always lit up a room upon entry and Cadra and I always looked forward to activities that allowed us to spend time with you and Doug!! Any sighting or mention of pink flamingos will continue to remind us of ... Continue Reading
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Priscilla and Scott
September 18, 2021
What an extreme loss for anyone fortunate enough to have been friends with Doug. We met Doug on an icy afternoon shoveling snow in shorts and right then knew he was a unique character! We are grateful for the fun times we shared and the many jokes and stories he told us.... Continue Reading
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Kathie Harkins
September 17, 2021
I had the privilege of serving Doug breakfast in downtown Blue Ridge for about 5 years. Toni- My heart goes out to you I remember one time you were out of town and every morning Doug would tell me how many days it was until you returned.❤️ Doug- Our lives were forever en... Continue Reading
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Mike Alewine
September 17, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Doug when we were at HR Allen in the early eighties. He taught me a lot about electrical work and even more about life. I don't think he ever had an "off" day. He had a unique ability to make work FUN. I have thought about Doug often ov... Continue Reading
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Page Oliver
September 16, 2021
Toni, You have my heartfelt condolences. Doug was an original and I am honored to have called him my friend. He was always there for people and willing to do almost anything for his friends. Suzie and I still talk about that time we saw Bob Seger with you and Doug. I al... Continue Reading
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Pam Clark
September 15, 2021
There was only one Dougie Bunch! He came into our family 50 plus years ago with my sister in a VW bus and getting ready to go back to Alaska. I hitched a ride with them and the rest is history. Doug cherished my sister, catered to my Mother, and told silly jokes. In tow... Continue Reading
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Miriam Stanley
September 15, 2021
Toni, My heart is broken for you. Everytime I saw Doug (back in the day), we shared the best laugh. I pray that God will replace your sorrow with your beautiful memories. Love, Miriam Stanley
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Beverly Oswald
September 15, 2021
Dear Toni, My heart hurts so much for you, Sue and the rest of the family. He was such a character. Whatever he did, he would never accept anything but perfection, especially the house in Blue Ridge and I am sure he did so much more since we visited. I can see both o... Continue Reading
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Maria & Gary
September 15, 2021
When I think of Doug, I think of a helping hand. I think of a gifted story and joke teller. I think of a warm smile and a big hug. I also think of what a huge loss all of us who know him have suffered. How can someone bigger than life be gone from life?!? We mourn with... Continue Reading
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