Community Gathers to Honor Former Sen. George Bunting, 81

The community is set to pay its respects to former Delaware state Representative and Senator George H. Bunting Jr., who passed away at the age of 81 on February 12, 2024. A viewing and a funeral service will take place on February 21 at Mariner’s Bethel Global Methodist Church in Ocean View, Delaware, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate his life and contributions.

Bunting’s health had reportedly declined following a recent heart operation, as noted by Sen. Gerald Hocker, who succeeded him in the Delaware Senate. Bunting’s political career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1980s as a state representative and continuing in the Senate from 1996 until 2013. His legacy includes significant improvements in southern Sussex County, including the replacement of the Indian River Inlet bridge.

The viewing will occur from 09:30 to 12:00, followed by a Masonic funeral service. After the service, Bunting will receive military honors during his interment at Prince George’s Chapel Cemetery, with the Ocean View Mason-Dixon VFW Post 7234 providing honors for his service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In a gesture of respect, Governor Matt Meyer has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff from February 17 until sunset on February 21, in memory of Bunting, former Representative John Viola, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Bunting, a decorated Vietnam veteran, served in the Marine Corps from 1963 and was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His actions during an enemy attack were detailed in a 1966 article, which praised his bravery as he advanced under fire to protect his platoon. His injury from a landmine led to the awarding of the Purple Heart. As Russell McCabe, former Director of the Delaware State Archives, remarked, “Like many who have witnessed the horrors of battle and given so much, he would proudly acknowledge his service but was never one to boast about his own deeds.”

Bunting married his wife, Donna Gray, shortly after returning from Vietnam, and the couple enjoyed nearly 59 years together. They faced the tragic loss of one of their sons in an ATV accident when he was only 12 years old, a moment described in his obituary as “one of the saddest days of their lives as a family.”

In addition to his political career, Bunting operated a State Farm insurance agency in Rehoboth Beach for over 40 years. His family recalls that he loved interacting with people and took pride in his work. Known for his bipartisan approach, Bunting often prioritized relationships over political affiliations, earning the respect of both colleagues and constituents.

Hocker reflected on their collaborative efforts, stating, “There wasn’t anything that we attempted to do together that we couldn’t get done.” Bunting’s commitment to public service included advocating for education funding, opposing the death penalty, and addressing environmental issues such as land development and pollution in the inland bays.

As the community prepares to honor Bunting’s memory, his contributions to Delaware and the friendships he forged will undoubtedly resonate with those who knew him.