Former Delaware State Senator George H. Bunting Jr. passed away on February 12, 2024, at the age of 81. His obituary states that he died at home, surrounded by his family. A viewing and funeral service will be held in Ocean View on February 21, providing an opportunity for the community to pay their respects to a well-respected veteran and public servant.
Senator Gerald Hocker, who succeeded Bunting in the Senate, noted that Bunting’s health had deteriorated following a recent heart operation. Bunting, a member of the Democratic Party, served in the Delaware State House from the 1980s until the 1990s, and then in the Senate from 1996 until 2013. His contributions to southern Sussex County, including the replacement of the Indian River Inlet bridge, were significant and well-remembered.
Details of the Funeral Arrangements
The viewing will take place at Mariner’s Bethel Global Methodist Church on February 21 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, followed by a Masonic funeral service. Bunting will receive military honors during his interment at Prince George’s Chapel Cemetery in Dagsboro, provided by the Ocean View Mason-Dixon VFW Post 7234. Flags across Delaware will be flown at half-staff from February 17 through sunset on February 21, as ordered by Governor Matt Meyer, in memory of Bunting and others who have recently passed.
Bunting was a decorated Vietnam veteran, having enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1963. He served in Vietnam for one year, earning both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His heroism during an attack on his platoon is highlighted in his Bronze Star citation, which notes his courageous actions under enemy fire that allowed his platoon to continue their mission without casualties. According to a 1966 News Journal article, “Lance Corporal Bunting, as an automatic rifleman, ignored the enemy’s grazing fire… his fire was accurate and heavy enough to allow his platoon to react and gain fire superiority.”
A Life of Service and Community Engagement
Bunting’s life was marked not only by his military service but also by his dedication to public service and community involvement. After returning from Vietnam, he married Donna Gray, with whom he shared nearly 59 years of marriage and raised two sons, one of whom tragically died in an ATV accident at the age of 12. His family described this loss as “one of the saddest days of their lives as a family.”
In the 1970s, Bunting opened a State Farm Insurance agency in Rehoboth Beach and later became the president of the area Chamber of Commerce. His ability to connect with people and his enjoyment of running the insurance agency were notable aspects of his life. He was remembered by Hocker as “a friend you could work with” who prioritized relationships over politics.
Bunting was known for his bipartisan approach, often working across the aisle and sometimes voting against his party. He was described as a “lone wolf” by a News Journal reporter ahead of the 1990 election, highlighting his independent spirit in a political landscape dominated by party lines. His advocacy included support for term limits, education funding, and strong opposition to the death penalty, alongside efforts to combat irresponsible land development and pollution in the inland bays.
The legacy of George H. Bunting Jr. is one of service, dedication, and community impact. His contributions to Delaware, particularly in southern Sussex County, will be remembered by colleagues and constituents alike as they gather to honor his life and achievements.
