The Rev. Thomas Joseph Bunting, 88, of Susan, Virginia passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Be not sad but rejoice, for a race has been run and completed. He was born on January 23, 1937, the second son of Ralph and Edna Bunting. He and his brother Billy, now deceased, were raised by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Hogge of Achilles, Va.

He is survived by his wife Bernice, whom he loved dearly for over 66 years; three children, Laura Appleby, Harriet Doss (Mike), and Joel Bunting (Ali); four grandchildren, Phillip (Tollie) and Aaron Appleby, Ellen Doss, and Noelle Bunting, and four great-grandchildren, Jackson, Brooks, Leah, and (Angel) Trevor Appleby.

Tommy graduated from Gloucester High School in 1955. He was raised in Achilles Friends Church and called to the ministry in 1965. He enrolled in ministerial studies and graduated from Anderson University School of Theology, Anderson, Indiana. He faithfully served the Church of God, Anderson, until his retirement in January 2000. He served the Lord in Virginia, West Virginia, and Louisiana.

After retirement, he and his wife moved to Susan, bought a home, and returned to the ministry in the surrounding area; he also was the Chaplain of Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for 20 years. He last served the Lord at New Point Friends Church, Susan.

The family received friends on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 2:30-3 p.m. p.m. at New Point Friends Church, with a funeral service at 3 o’clock. A private interment was held in Friendship Cemetery. A reception followed the burial at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Point Friends Church at P.O. Box 421, North, Va. 23128.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, assisted the family.