Henry Arlyn Bunch, 76, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Hospice of Rockingham County following a brave battle with esophageal cancer.
A memorial service to celebrate Arlyn’s life will be held Wednesday, November 23rd at 11:00 am at Fair Funeral Home with reception to follow at the Morehead-Fair House. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arlyn’s name to the charity of your choice.
Arlyn was born in Edenton, NC on September 28, 1946. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Eunice Harrell Bunch. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Susan Evans Bunch, his two sisters, Jacquelyn White and Loretta Evans (Frank), and his two daughters, Melissa Conrad (Phillip), and Jennifer Grabe (James). He also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Lindsey Conrad, and Emma, Zoe and Brody Grabe as well as many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Arlyn grew up in the Rocky Hock community outside of Edenton, NC. He loved growing up there and being part of that community. He went to college at East Carolina University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1967. Susan and Arlyn moved to Eden, NC in 1968 to begin careers in education. Arlyn worked as a Health and PE teacher and coach at Holmes Junior High School and Morehead High School. He obtained a Master’s Degree in Administration and completed the NC Principal Fellows program to continue his work in the schools as an administrator. He retired after 30 years from Rockingham County Schools. He loved working with kids. He touched so many lives throughout his career with his supportive and calm nature and his desire to help others. In retirement, Arlyn stayed active. He worked for 20 years as an independent contractor delivering Thomas Built school buses all over the country. He was also very involved in his community and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Eden. For fun, Arlyn enjoyed outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, kayaking, and running, as well as traveling and spending time with his family. He was able to travel all over the US, to many parts of Europe and China, and he took his kids and grandkids on many travel adventures. Arlyn had a great sense of humor and always had a good joke or funny story to tell. He had the best smile and laugh, that would light up any room.
Arlyn was one of those people who seemed to enjoy life so much. He made working at Morehead High School a delight! He will be missed.
Sandy Cates
My family is so Blessed to have become a part of the Bunch circle of love. Arlyn and Susan have always been so gracious and inviting to us. Their daughters Jenn and Melissa and their whole family are loving to all. Arlyn will be greatly missed even though we know he rests in the arms of the Lord!! From the Grabe family!!
Beverly Grabe
We are very sorry for your loss. We are friends of Melissa and Phil. We are making a donation to a charity in his honor.
love ,
your workout buddies
Jennifer Price
It was my joy and pleasure to teach with Arlyn at Holmes Junior High. For Susan and his family I wish peace and comfort during this time. I know that he will be missed by so many people. I am so glad that I knew him.
Shirley Robertson
To Susan and family, sorry to hear of your loss. We had a lot of good times together at the river, swimming, playing, water skiing and some other things that don't need to be put in writing. Arlen was good friend and will be missed.
WC (Buddy) Bunch
A great coach and an even better person. RIP coach.
Dan Pratt
My heart is saddened to learn of this special man passings and my prayer is that God will comfort you in the days ahead and forever more with precious memories of him. I am quite certain that when he passed over into the glorious land of heaven, God said "Well done my faithful servant".
When I think of Arlyn, it reminds me of the sermon I heard today with Dr. Charles Stanley. He had a contagious smile, that the first impression when you saw him, he always had a smile to share. When I think of generosity, he was always willing to go out of his way to help others, no matter what challenge it brought with it. When I think of kindness, he always had a kind word to say about everyone. He never focused on the bad in people, he would look deep enough to see the good. When I think of love, I see a man that was committed to God, to his wife, his family, his exteneded family in schools, friends and an openess to everyone. When I think of encouragement, I see a coach, a teacher, a mentor, a counselor that always had a vision of a brighter side of things. When I think of a friend, I see him as a person that accepted people the way they were, and always made you feel special, when you walked away.
What a privilege it was to have worked with this man, known him as a friend and model of what every man should live life displaying all the traits listed above. Thank you Lord, for our paths crossing and the impression he made on my life.
Tommy Griffin
Too many wonderful memories to share over so many years. Melissa, Jennifer and I spent so much time in the woods of Tellowee Road and being babysat by our somewhat competent Dads who would try and discipline us with poor attempts to hide their laughter at whatever we had done to get in trouble. The world has lost and Heaven has gained a fantastic soul. Blessings, love and hugs to the entire family and especially Susan, Melissa and Jennifer.
Jessica Good
One of the sweetest most loving souls ever. He had Such a genuine care for people. And such a great sense of humor. He touched my life so deeply as a junior high school student with his loving concern for me and my well being. Mr Bunch... you will always be loved and cherished and missed by us all 🙌🙏🏻🙌🙏🏻
Gina Tolbert Carter
GinaCarter
Arlen Bunch was my 7th grade PE teacher at Holmes Junior High in 1972. He also coached me in football and track in the years that followed. He was one of my favorite teachers, a great coach and I was pleased to have a friendship with him well into my adult years; however, I was shocked to hear of his passing today.
Mr. Bunch was a great, positive influence on me at such an impressionable age. I am very grateful to have known him and call him a friend. My deepest condolences to his family.
Jimmy Robertson
running back 1971 conf. champs, holmes mustangs wonderful coach ,mentor and fellow duck hunter. coach bunch will be missed but not forgotten.
brian moore
My heart goes out to family I rember Mr Bunch as a Pronopal he was always smiling and was very nice to all students God jut got another Angel
Fred East
My wife Pam and Susan were first cousins. Several years ago I had the priviledge of meeting both Susan and Arlyn for the first time as they passed through San Antonio. My wife passed away in 2021 but I have stayed in touch with Susan and Arlyn.
I am sorry for your loss.
Perry Settemeyer
Perry Settemeyer
I was honored to work with Arlyn's daughter Melissa Conrad at Knollwood Elementary. I'm blessed to know her. She, like Arlyn, has the quality of being a calm and supportive educator. Not only toward her students but her peers. I sense from the fond memories written above that she followed her father's path in more than one way. My prayers are with you and yours Melissa as you find your way around on this part of your journey. God is walking with you, lean on Him in all things, he will provide for your needs.
In Him Kathryn
Dear Mrs. Bunch and family.....So very sorry for your loss!!! Mr. Bunch was a fine man who impacted many young lives during his teaching career. Although I never had him for a teacher I remember his smile and enthusiasm. Praying for you all at this difficult time!!! God Bless you!!!
Micki Neal
Praying for the family during this time.
Pastor Chuck and Cindy Forrest Silvey
Cindy Silvey
Susan and Family,
We cannot be with you today but our hearts are heavy with you for the lose of Arlyn.
A good and kind man gone to a better place free from pain and worry who is preparing a place for us all.
May God's comforting arms embrace you and bring you peace.
With our love
Bill and Susan Moore Susan and Bill Moore
Mr. Bunch was a great teacher. I was in the seventh grade when I had him for health and physical education. He had a wonderful sense of humor but did a good job of teaching the things that we needed to learn. I am thankful that I had him as a teacher and mentor. When I graduated from high school I went to RCC and then on to East Carolina. Always proud to be a Pirate. Thanks Mr. Bunch for everything you did for us back in the day. RIP.
Terry Vernon
Dear Susan, Melissa, Jennifer & Family. I will always remember Mr. Henry Arlyn Bunch & the great conversations we had, especially when I saw him, at the Super Flea Market in
Greensboro, NC. I remember his warm careing smile, and
how much he cared, about speaking with me. Good memories of him, when he was principal at Holmes, Middle School too. Going to miss him too. A great man, that did so much through the years. May God, Comfort You, In This Difficult Time!
"Heaven Has Gained, Another Angel"
Jeffrey Rakestraw
Susan and Girls,
I am so sad that I haven't seen y'all In such a long time. One of your daughters was at Nancy's funeral and I was told that her Dad was really sick. I kept saying I was going to get your address but I didn't. It's so nice that a funeral home gives us this time to tell a friend we are praying for the healing power will be with you and that God is on your side all the time. So learn to lean on him.
Betty B Bass
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a good friend to our family and a great partner in adventure for our dad. He'll be so missed.
Christina (Adkins) Shotwell
Susan, as you know Arlyn was a favorite of my dad Sherlon! I've heard so many stories of their times together working and hunting together. I myself have memories of duck hunting in Bennetts millpond as a young boy with Arlyn. Rest assured he left a positive impact on everyone he knew. God grace be with you and all your family.
Johnny Layton
Susan, as you know Arlyn was a favorite of my dad Sherlon! I've heard so many stories of their times together working and hunting together. I myself have memories of duck hunting in Bennetts millpond as a young boy with Arlyn. Rest assured he left a positive impact on everyone he knew. God grace be with you and all your family. Johnny Layton
Johnny Layton
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Born: Saturday Sep 28, 1946
