Robert Michael Bunch, Jr.

Robert Michael “Bobby” Bunch, Jr., of Summerville, SC, passed away peacefully in his sleep Monday, September 12, 2022.  The relatives and friends of Robert and Barbara Bunch are invited to attend his Visitation between 5:00 and 7:00 PM Friday, September 16, 2022 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara “Bonnie” Goodwin Bunch, and their four children: Robert M. Bunch III (Jane) of Pensacola, Florida; Mark Bunch (Mary) of Charleston, SC; Robin Bunch Ahearn (Ken) of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Matthew Bunch (Allison) of James Island, SC; his 19 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Bobby, born and raised in Summerville, was a multi-sport athlete and was John McKissick’s first quarterback at Summerville High school in 1952.  Upon graduation he attended the University of South Carolina where he was a member of Sigma Chi, student body class president his sophomore, junior and senior years, and quarterback for the Gamecocks in 1957, 1958 and 1959, most notably leading his fighting Gamecocks to a (26-6) victory over Clemson on Big Thursday in October of 1958.  After graduating from USC, he was commissioned into the US Navy in Pensacola, Florida, and served his country as a naval aviator from 1960-1965.

In 1965, he returned to South Carolina and started his career in real estate, which involved development, marketing, and sales.  He and Bonnie raised their children in Summerville while actively serving on numerous organization, club, and athletic boards throughout his 50-plus years in the community.

Anyone who met “Bobby” will never forget his big smile, gentlemanly gestures, and his signature handshake.  He will be greatly missed but his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.

The family would like to thank his caregivers Vanessa, Sabrina, Mona, Cynthia, and Mary, as well as Intrepid Hospice for all of their time and compassion.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (  www.alz.org  ), or to Intrepid Hospice (  www.intrepidusa.com  ).

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.