William Rudolph "Rudy" Bunch

William Rudolph (Rudy) Bunch, our beloved and precious husband, father, grandfather and friend went to be with his Savior February 18, 2015. Rudy was a star baseball player at Knoxville High School and signed professionally at age 19 with the Cincinnati Reds. Shortly thereafter he was drafted and served in the Korean War. Post service, he was employed by his father-in-law who owned his own service station and from there was hired to work for Champion Spark Plug Company where he worked and retired after 30+ years. During his tenure with Champion Spark Plug Company he also officiated college basketball for more than 30 years. Rudy was an avid golfer and active member of Central Baptist Church Bearden. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Whillock Bunch, and his eldest son William David Bunch; brothers Carl T. Bunch Jr. and James E. Bunch; sister Barbara Bunch Brock. He is survived by his sister Linda Gail Bunch Blanchard; son Steven Richard Bunch; daughter Katherine Bunch Dutt; grandchildren Steven Richard Bunch Jr., Taylor Hightower Bunch, Sarah Margaret Bunch and Joshua Hanson Dutt. Family and friends will meet 12:45pm Saturday at Highland Memorial Cemetery for 1pm graveside service, Dr. Larry Fields officiating. The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorials be sent to Alzheimer’s Tennessee or The American Cancer Society. Family will receive friends Friday 6-8pm at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel.