Christopher Stephen Bunker
September 11, 1981 ~ January 3, 2009
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Christopher Stephen Bunker, 27, of Asheville, passed away unexpectedly at his residence Saturday, January 3, 2009.
A native of Buncombe Co.; Chris was a detention officer for the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department. He was a graduate of Western Carolina University and a member of the Buncombe Co. Rescue Squad. He enjoyed target shooting, cars, trucks and motorcycles.
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Hunt Bunker of Asheville, a sister, Candace Miller and her husband Larry of San Diego, CA and long time girlfriend Jennifer Hinson.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at West Asheville Baptist Church with Chaplains Norman Sanders, Richard Baird and Kent Withington officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hills Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin Pridgen, David Ingle, John Guacci, Patrick Penland, Adam White and Jeff Buley all deputies of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department.
His family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue.
Memorials may be made to B.L.U.E., a Christian based law enforcement support group, at P.O. Box 2352, Asheville, NC 28802.
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Dear Chris,
We miss you so much and will always love you,our beloved nephew.
My brother, I will miss you with all of my heart. You came to our house on the 19th to celebrate Christmas with us and I haven’t laughed that hard or enjoyed your company as I did that night. As we hugged goodbye we both said ‘I love you brother’ and for the last time you blew your train horn on your truck. I will miss you dearly! Love you brother. 10-42
Bro, it is tough being here at work tonight and you are not here making one of your off-the wall comments to make me laugh and walking into my office and giving me a ‘suprise’ as you always liked to. It won’t be the same from here on out. It was so ironic that you put the tagline on your Myspace page that said ‘It’s 10-42 somewhere!’ Miss ya bro!
I wish we would of had more time to know each other better. You will be missed.
Woody
Chris..It’s so hard to believe that you’re not here. I’m gonna miss you scaring the heck out of me with that loud train horn of yours! Thanks for EVERYTHING you done for me. You are truly going to be missed.
<3
I know you will be missed by all that knew you! You were taken away too soon.
It has been some time since we hung out and shared some experience together when you were un expextedly taken from D-Team. We shared alot of great moments both at work and in our personal lives. Im not very sociable but you were able to win me over and teach me about life and are a great friend. I often remember the times we shared at work and in B.L.E.T. when we first met. I am deeply sad because of your loss although you are in a better place. You quickly became a soild officer and one of the best friends that I have had. there are too many moments to talk about in such a short time. You touched everyone that you came in contact with and brought joy to life. I thank you for the time we shared and I love you as a friend, a Brother…I will ensure that your legacy will never be forgotten. You are a True Hero…
Chris – I’m going to miss you so much. I was going to call you this week to go see ‘Spirit’ but Grant says it sucked, so we were saved. I love you.
Chris, I can only hope you knew how much I appreciated you looking out for me. I’m really going to miss those wonderful bear hugs. You always knew when I needed one. Missing you already. Love you, Brenda
Chris, you were my closest friend for many years. I will never forget the great times we had together. ‘Another darn parking lot!’. You will truely be missed, I love ya bro! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I’m very sorry I missed the funeral. Rest in peace my friend.
Chris, You were a pleasure to talk with and work with. Your presence is certainly missed at BCDF. Rest in Peace.
You were stolen from me…
I don’t understand any of this right now, but I am trying to be strong for you, because I am sure that is what you would want. I have your love in my heart and that makes me the luckiest woman in the world! There are so many plans I wanted to make for our future together. You are my true love and I will wear my ring knowing that you wanted me to be your Wife. Thank you for being the best boyfriend ever, I miss you baby. I love you always!
Bunker, man I am gonna miss you. I remember how hard you worked to pass the popat and how happy you seemed at graduation. I will also never forget you sayin ‘mall security clear.’ God Bless you my Brother Rest in Peace.
THE BROKEN CHAIN
We little knew that morning that God would call your name,
In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.
–Author Unknown
Chris you will be missed greatly. We’ll be together again someday until that day I’ll keep you memory and smile close to my heart and I’ll remeber all the good times that we had.I love you Chris not just as a friend but as a brother. Until we see eachother again.
Love always
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of grief.. We will all be thinking of you…
Chris,
You were such a wonderful friend to me and I can’t think of any other guy that I would trust to be with Jenn. You showed her what true love really was and what to expect out of a MAN. David and I love and miss you so much. I miss your laughter, your smile when we knew you were up to something, and your hugs. 10-42, sweetie. and I love ya!!!!!
Chris, My fellow Brother, I know you are 10-23 in Heaven, I miss you deeply, but I know you are in a better place. Chris Rest In Peace, 10-12 and I will see you one day.
Chris Bunker (6218) 10-42
I would like to say to everyone who loves and cares for Chris……keep him in your heart and there he will always stay. I am grateful for the friend you were to my husband, your brother. You were truly there for him when so many others were not! Thank you sharing with me as well. We are sitting listening to some ‘live’ blue grass music…. Laughing because we know how totally annoyed you would be. This laugh is for you. WOW! We will miss you lots. Love Christie
I only had the pleasure of knowing Chris for a short time, through us working secondary together at Neil Dobbins. I would stick around sometimes and talk with him as we went through the changing of the guard so to speak. Chris was a really cool person and I am shocked, as well as saddened to hear of his passing. Say hello to Jesus for me Chris and one day we will get the chance to hang out and talk again.
Chris.. I will miss you so much, I can’t believe that you are gone. I haven’t seen you in a while but I loved working with you back in the Ingles days, and all the movies that you thought were ‘dorky’ that we saw. You truly touched my life, and for that I am lucky. I will miss you, and can’t wait to see you again. Keeping Your family & friends in my prayers, Amber.
I will always cherish the memories of our friendship. I will miss you brother. 10-42.
Oh God, Chris…where to start? Things will never be the same without you. You have been my friend for so long and taught me so much about love and life. I will never forget and I can only hope to see you again one day. Where ever you are, I hope you’re happy and miss us too. I love you. Forever.
Thank you for your service, to this, our law enforcement family Chris. God Bless your family at this time, we will keep you all in our prayers.
My friend, in the short time we knew one another you taught me things I will never forget. Thanks for the time we were able to share. Your family will be in our prayers.
There are a million things I would have told you, but I think you already knew most of them. You’re my best friend, and I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for you. Your trust in me and your love meant more than words can say, and I thank you for everything you’ve given me and taught me over the years.
You’re a better and stronger person than I could ever hope to be, and I’ve always looked to you when I needed strength or needed someone who understood and accepted me. I’m doing my best now to be strong, and just thinking of what you would say to me.
I wish I could be there now amongst your family and friends, celebrating your life. I’ve sent my wishes and my heart is always with you, and you’re here in my heart and thoughts (even though you wouldn’t want to be in California).
We’ll meet again some day, and I’ll hear about all the trouble you’ve been making. I love you, and miss you as always.
My dear friend Chris, you are loved and will be missed. The words ‘go man go, Bunker’s got your back’ now takes on a whole new meaning. Dylan plain and simple thought you were the coolest. We love you brother!
I was shocked and saddened to hear this news this morning, but I know you are in a better place, Chris. For all those left behind:
‘Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted’
Matthew 5:4
God Bless you all.
Chris, you are greatly loved and will be sorely missed. Your laughter was contagious and your smile, a light in the darkness. Thank you for simply being you. I love you bunches and I know we will meet again.
Your memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved you. Rest In Peace.
Chris, the last time we talked at work you had just stored your new bike for the winter. We talked about riding in the spring and how you would leave me because you got a bigger bike. Now we will ride together in heaven one day. Later bro…
Chris,
I still can’t believe the news, I know we didn’t see much of each other once all of you graduated from BLET, but I still have the memories of all of us hanging out on Thursdays after class, those were fun times and I’m glad y’all let me tag along. You were a great guy and one of the few who kept it real, you will be missed for sure.
CHRIS I DID NOT KNOW YOU BUT MY SON DAVID INGLE WORKED WITH YOU AND MY DAUGHTER SARAH WENT TO SCHOOL WITH YOU. I KNOW THAT YOU AND DAVID WERE FRIENDS. YOU ARE WITH JESUS NOW AND WHAT A PRIVILEGE THAT IS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. SIGNED THE INGLE FAMILY
Journey’s End
REST YOUR HEAD, MY WEARY TRAVELLER
THIS EARTHLY JOURNEY IS AT END
SAY GOODBYE TO THOSE WHO’LL MOURN YOU AQUAINTENCE,FAMILY,FRIENDS
STEADFAST FRIEND AND NOBLE SON ALL YOUR DUTIES ARE COMPLETE YOUR REWARD A NEW ADVENTURE TAKE THIS GIFT AND BE AT PEACE
LEAVE BEHIND THE TEARS OF LOVED ONES LAY YOUR HEAVY BURDEN DOWN CAST ASIDE PAIN AND SUFFERING NOW BEGONE
JUST AHEAD SOMEONE IS WAITING WHO HAS PASSED THROUGH HEAVEN’S DOOR ANTICIPATING YOUR ARRIVAL A CELEBRATION IS IN STORE
PREPARE TO STEP BEYOND THE CURTAIN
SEPARATING LIFE FROM DEATH ANSWERS TO ALL OF LIFE’S MYSTERIES THIS AND MORE YOU SHALL POSESS
THOUGHTS OF YOU WILL BRING US COMFORT YOU’RE IN OUR HEARTS, YOU ARE NOT GONE AND IN OUR TIME WE’LL COME TO JOIN YOU ONE LAST FAREWELL AND JOURNEY ON
I worked with Chris at the Sheriff’s Department and volunteered with him at the Rescue Squad. Chris was a great, fun loving guy who I have a great deal of respect for.
Many of us considered Chris Bunker not just a friend, but a brother. He will be missed.
Chris will always hold a special place in my heart. At WCU we shared a room together, where I learned that I could always count on him. I found that I could pick up the phone and Chris would be there no matter the time or day. I know that Law enforcement was where his heart was, and know that God now has a good lawman in heaven. Chris, we will all miss you greatly. Your friend Danny
Chris, Thank you for being a wonderful friend to me in both Middle and High School. You always gave me the best advice. We reconnected just days before your passing. I am so sad that our friendship has been cut short, but grateful I got to talk with you again. My prayers go out to your family and loved ones.
My heart is filled with love for Chris and all of our family. My sweetest memory was Chris and Jennifer being so very kind to take me around Orman Beach, Fla one night….we drove around in his neat truck and they showed me the boat houses with their lights on and we took a wonderful walk around midnight on the beach it was so beautiful.
I also loved the family reunion for Aunt Pats birthday where Chris gave his mom the best gift…a pink cell phone.
I loved that he got his dream…to be a law enforcement officer.
May we all know Jesus as our Lord and Savior so we may be together in heaven.
May you rest in peace and thank you for your service, 10-42! We all miss you.
Dearest Pat and Candice,
We are grieving for you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks and months ahead. Our memories of the close boyhood friendship that Chris and Matt shared growing up and the extraordinary trip we all made together to San Diego are treasures that will live in our hearts as we think about the richness that Chris brought into all our lives. We are shaped and fashioned by those we love and this beautiful human being was surely one of God’s special gifts to us all.
May you and your family be filled with loving kindness, peacefulness and ease,
David and Julie
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris,
I did not know you personally only through my son David Bishop whom you worked with at the Sheriffs Dept. When I talked to David on Saturday after he had heard of your passing he was very upset with the news.
I attended your services today and could feel the love, respect and admiration from all your brothers and sisters in Law Enforcement as well as your friends.
Now that you are in Heaven your brothers and sisters will have a guardian Angel watching over them. Rest in peace.
Sara Bishop
I only knew Chris briefly but the impact that has left on me as a person is way more than words can describe. I remember things that he would say during our conversations that would always make me laugh and smile regardless of how bad I was feeling. Thats the way I am always going to remember him. One of the things he told me was that he was going to take my four year old brother and lock him up if he did not behave properly. That was the silly Chris that I knew. Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris you are a good friend as well as an officer. You always had something positive to say no matter what was happening. I didn’t look at you as subordinate but a friend and a brother in arms. There are so many things I could say about your character but the words would not be enough. I love you and will miss that grin of yours. 10-12 up there and when we meet again I’ll ‘hook a brutha up’. GOD SPEED 6218 10-42 for the duration.
Bro, so many things to say about the times we’ve shared. From trying to get through BLET to the present. Work is hard knowing that you won’t be my wing man anymore but it helps knowing that your looking over everyone on the team as well as the department. You left us all for another journey and you will be missed dearly. I will cherish all the good times we’ve had at work and other places. It’s like ther other day we were discussing trucks and head bangin’ music. Even though we didn’t get to ride bikes this year, I know you will still be there when I get on mine. You will be missed Bro.
We are so sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris and Teena Gant
May God walk with you all as you live with this tragic loss. God bless you all.
Chris- You’re now 10-42. Rest in peace.
Dear Family,
I have such fond and genuinely sweet memories of Chris from his time at Carolina Day School. He was a wonderful young man and a caring student. From all I hear, he contined to shine as an adult and served his community well. I was so sorry to learn about Chris’s death yesterday, and I am sad that I missed his funeral. I will always have a special place in my heart for him, and I send my sympathy to all who cared for Chris and loved him. With great respect and kind regards,
Peggy Daniels
If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.
Love to all the family for your loss. Chris is in a beautiful place in Heaven and at rest at the cemetery. I was by there today and I feel such love and peace when I look at Chris’ angel. God Bless You All. In our Prayers always. Raymond, Leesa, and Melanie Jones.