WAYCROSS — Mr. Samuel Talmadge Bunch, 95, passed away Saturday morning, March 28, 2026 at his residence in Waycross following an extended illness.
He was born September 17, 1930 in Statesboro to the late Edwin Lewis Bunch and Maude Brannen Bunch. H e proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years, including service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Following his military career, Bunch dedicated 30 years of service as a correctional officer with the Florida Department of Corrections before retiring.
Bunch was a member of Crosspoint Community Church, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Merchant Marines. He enjoyed fishing, sharing stories from his Navy days, and reading books by Louis L’Amour and Eugenia Price. He was especially proud of being named as a character in one of Price’s novels. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, fondly referring to gatherings as “A bunch of Bunches.”
In addition to his parents, he also was preceded in death by his daughter, Gwen Bunch; his grandson, Bo Smith; and eight siblings, Eddie, John, Jack, Shirley, Juanita, Joe, Hugh, and Bob.
He is survived by his son, Samuel Talmadge “Sammy” Bunch, Jr. and wife Christie of Waycross; his sister, Grace Keeley of Jacksonville, Fla.; grandchildren, Erin LeBlanc, Zachary Bunch, and Josh Smith; as well as numerous step grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Abundant Life Church in Blackshear. His remains will be laid to rest at the Bunch Family Farm.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing his online tribute wall at www.musicfuneralhome.c om
