William Thomas (William Tee) Bunch Jr's Obituary
WILLIAM THOMAS (Wm. Tee) BUNCH, JR.
May 17, 1950 - November 30, 2020
William Thomas (Wm. Tee) Bunch, Jr. passed away peacefully on November 30, 2020 at the age of 70 after a courageous battle with cancer. William was predeceased by his father William Thomas Bunch, Sr., son
Paul Bunch and grandson Lawyer Davis. William was born in Rochester, New York on May 17, 1950 to
William and Hazel W. Bunch. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of eight years
Relibeth Pascual Bunch, mother Hazel W. Truitt, sisters Linda Bunch Gunn (Marcilen), Brenda Bunch Ackers (Chester). Five children, Tonette McDonald (Wayne), Paula Bunch, Lorraine Booker(Tim), Christopher Bliss (Melissa), Michael Mendez. Special daughter Dana Barrett (Byron). Six grandchildren, Keona Chestnut, Wayne McDonald, Jr., Zinette Webster, Jinah Bliss, Christopher Bliss, Jr., Noah Bliss and Deonte Santos. Special grandchildren, Jania and Janya Barett, Isaiah Barrett and Micaiah Barrett. Three great granddaughters, Iyana Chestnut, Eva Davis and Christian Blakenship. Nephews Billy Shaw, Jr., Brandon Bunch, Marcilen Gunn, Adrian Ackers and niece Shannon Shaw. Great nieces and nephews, Shannel Shaw Ashford, Leonzo Williams, Bryton Bunch, Carly Bunch and Nelan Gunn. Special aunt Rose Bunch, special friends Stu Monroe, Joe Anderson, Lori Orcutt, Cornel Thomas and Alfred Kellough along with a host of relatives and friends across the country.
William grew up in Rochester, New York and graduated from East High School in 1969. He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball and hanging out with his many friends. As a teenager, he developed a lifelong love for beautiful cars especially, his first car a 1966 canary yellow black top Oldsmobile 442 (with four on the floor). His pride and joy; however, remained his 1980 Porshe 911 which is now a classic.
After graduation, Tom, as he was known in Rochester, was drafted into the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Belvoir Army Base in Virginia. From there he was sent to Vietnam where he served from 1970 to 1972. After his tour of duty and receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Rochester, but like many young men, he had a desire to travel. In the mid-1970’s, Tom moved to Vallejo, California and over the years he learned many skills and became a jack of all trades. He was a skilled mechanic and specialized in restoring classic cars. He later became an interior and exterior painter and was an all-around Mr. Fix It. Tom had a love for all genres of music especially jazz and classic/old school rhythm and blues. Whenever he was around you could always expect to hear good music playing in the background.
In 1980, he moved to Renton, Washington where he worked at Boeing for several years. His ultimate dream; however, was to own and operate his own business. In 1983, that dream came to fruition when he opened “Keep It Classic Auto Repair” in Renton, Washington. In later years, he worked for the University of Puget Sound as a master painter. In retirement, on warm evenings, he loved nothing more than to ride his Harley Davidson in full gear on the open rode through the hills and the countryside of Washington. All who knew him will miss his infectious smile, his generosity, his words of wisdom and his cool laid back demeanor. If he was your friend you had a friend for life. William (Tom), you will be missed, but you will always be in our hearts.
Due to state mandates in regard to COVID-19, services are by invitation only. Please join us to celebrate William Tee by live webcast Tuesday, December 8th at 12:00pm via the link below.
https://viewneral.zoom.us/j/98227782149?pwd=cWNKZFhrc1ExVjZrZUl6SGpucGNpQT09
For those not able to join us live, a recording will be available via the same link for 90 days following the service.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?