Billy Ray Bunting

                Billy Ray Bunting, 86, of Chincoteague Island, Virginia, passed into the arms of the Lord surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2026. Billy Ray was born on February 11, 1940, to the late Harry Clay Bunting, Sr., and Mary Andrews Bunting in Chincoteague, Virginia. Billy is survived by his daughters Brenda Bernstein (Bryan) of Hebron, MD, and Teresa McCain (Bill) of Salisbury, MD; grandchildren, Jeremy Bernstein, Rachel Forte (Eric), and Caitlin Martz (Connor); great-grandchildren, Tucker Forte, Layton Forte, and Easton Forte; and special nieces Patsy Savage and Ashley Watkinson. He was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Williams, and his brother, Harry Clay Bunting Jr. 

                Billy Ray graduated from Chincoteague High School in 1958 and married the love of his life, Barbara Gordy Bunting, where they began to raise their family. Billy Ray’s career was spent between Jones Brothers Seafood and NASA Wallops Island Fire Station; he was also a part-time employee of Salyer Funeral Home for many years.

                Billy Ray was a proud original member of the Saltwater Cowboys and a member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company for 68 years. In 1964, he became a member of Masonic Lodge 243 of Accomack County. He was a member of Union Baptist Church on Chincoteague, VA, and of the Anglers Sunday School Class.

                Funeral Services will be held at Union Baptist Church on Chincoteague Island, VA., at 2 pm on Wednesday, May 20th, with Rev. Kevin Eley officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 691, Chincoteague Island, VA. 23336. Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home on Chincoteague Island, VA. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com

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