Douglas Edward Bunch, born June 24, 1945, unexpectedly passed away September 12, 2021, at his home in Blue Ridge.
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 he and Toni were married in Anchorage, Alaska August 21, 1970. 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, and 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 University men’s basketball.
Among his many loves throughout his life were his dogs: Ralph and Floyd, his Labradors, and Freida, Augie, Gus, Max, Chloe, Sophie, and Sadie, his Dachshunds. 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 grandnieces, 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, who was his best friend, his life partner, and his true North.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at www.CochranFuneralHomes.com.