Charles J.
'Bunky' Bell, 80
VIENNA - Charles J. "Bunky" Bell passed away on October 24, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on December 29, 1942 on the family farm in Vienna. He was the son of the late Charles A. and Catherine Johannsen Bell.
Bunky graduated from North Dorchester High School with the class of 1960. After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years. While in the Air Force, he learned mechanics trade and served in Thailand and Okinawa, Japan. Upon the end of his service, he went to work at A.I. Dupont in Seaford. In April of 1970 he pursued his dream and opened Bunky's Service Center LLC in Vienna, where he worked until his retirement. His son-in-law Dwaine and daughter Lori still run the business. He also worked on the family farm helping milk cows and farming and for Seller's Farm when they needed help.
He loved fishing, being on the water, quail hunting, farming and being the mechanic of their Stock Car #83 and Bob Murphy was the driver.
He joined Reid's Grove Methodist Church in 1952 and served on many committees. He became a member of Vienna Volunteer Fire Company in 1968, where he served twenty six consecutive years as Chief. He was awarded Member of the Year, Answered Most Fire Calls and Ambulance Calls numerous times. He was a trustee and served on many various committees. He was nominated into the Eastern Shore Hall of Fame and the Dorchester County Hall of Fame.
He was also a member of Chicone Ruritan Club and served on numerous committees until they dispersed. He was also a member of American Legion Post 43 in Hurlock and VFW Post 7460 in Cambridge. He served on the Town of Vienna Board of Appeals for twenty five years and was also willing to help with whatever the town needed.
On June 25, 1966 he married the love of his life, Brenda Holloway Bell. They just celebrated their 57th anniversary. He is survived by their daughter, Lori A. Bradley and husband Dwaine of Vienna, his granddaughters Taylor M. Bradley and Kaitlyn N. Bradley; a brother-in-law that they raised like a son, Kevin C. Hackett and wife Electra; his sisters Carolyn Young (late Tom Young) and Rose Murphy and husband Bob; sister-in-law Sharon Spencer; a brother-in-law(late) Greg Holloway and wife Sharon and many nieces and nephews. He was also a mentor/father figure to many that worked for him over the years.
He was blessed with many caring caregivers who became part of the family; Kim, Lauren, Valarie and Vicki. He also had caring nurses when he was part of the Amedisys Home Care and Coastal Hospice Program.
The family received friends on Sunday, October 29, 2023 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM at Reid's Grove United Methodist Church where the funeral was held at 2:00PM. Rev. Mary Ann Farnell and Pastor Barbara Mills-Neighoff officiated. Interment followed in East New Market Cemetery.
Dwaine Bradley, Kevin Hackett, JB Murphy, Brad Murphy, Josh Brinsfield and Samuel Abey served as pallbearers. Bob Murphy, Wayne Phillips, Dennis Reid, Balvin Brinsfield, Larry "Dink" Waller, Russell "Butch" Willoughby, Mark Dennis, and Reggie Sellers, Jr. served as honorary pallbearers.
Memorial donations may be made to Reid's Grove United Methodist Church, c/o Betty Wilson, 5314 Rhodesdale-Vienna Road, Rhodesdale MD 21659 or to Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 5, Vienna MD 21869.
Arrangements are in the care of Zeller Funeral Home in East New Market.