Dr. Len Joseph Bundick, father, brother, grandfather, friend, healer of what ails you, and the Eastern Shore’s famed Santa Claus, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. Born June 29, 1960, in Nassawadox, and raised on the family farm in Coal Kiln, he was the son of the late Herman Lee Bundick and the late Emily Mae Saunders Bundick.
From the moment he was born, and throughout his 61 years, Len’s kind soul and gentle spirit brought joy and happiness to everyone he met. He graduated from Central High School, class of 1978. While at Central, he played on the football team and learned to make beautiful music on the saxophone. He attended Eastern Shore Community College and continued his education at Texas Chiropractic College in Pasadena, Texas. Len graduated with his doctor of chiropractor degree, passed the Virginia boards, and opened his practice in Keller in Dr. Wingfield’s office. He then opened his practice in Onley, where he practiced chiropractic medicine for 35 years. For more than three decades, Dr. Bundick has been responsible for bringing relief to aching bodies and returning smiles to the faces of countless people throughout his community. A legend in his own right, Len’s success as a doctor was a fraction of the greatness he accomplished. His role as the Eastern Shore’s very own Santa Claus was renowned. With his jolly laugh, smiling eyes, and authentic Santa beard, Len gave the gift of believing and instilled the true spirit of Christmas in the hearts of kids from one to 92, following the magic of Kris Kringle, Billy Floyd Smith.
Len’s love of hunting grew as did his practice and he and his family formed the Coal Kiln Hunt Club on the family farm, which now includes three generations, following him to his own stand on the Machipongo farm. He was ever present in the lives of his family and friends. He was a mentor and dad, not only to his children, but to many of their friends, all of whom knew it wasn’t a good time until “Pops” arrived. All went to Len for his calming presence and wise words of advice.
He leaves to continue the Bundick legacy to his children, Kyle Joseph Bundick and his wife, Kelsey, and Kristi Dawn Shaffer and her husband, Nick, all of Harborton; sister, Thalia Mae Bundick, of Coal Kiln; brother, Carl Bundick, of Painter; grandchildren, Karalynn and Karsyn Bundick and Madison Shaffer; nieces and nephews, Josh Bundick, Caleb Shrieves, Morgan Dollar, Olivia Bundick, Adam Bundick, and their families; friend and mother of his children, Terry Bundick; his best friend and partner in crime, Jimmy Dobler; and his dedicated assistant, Trudy Myles.
Len’s death has evoked an overwhelming response of pictures, kind words, and tributes on social media from a wide group of his family, friends, and patients, all who are describing the Len Bundick they had come to know, love, and admire.
A celebration of Len’s life and legacy will take place at the Onancock Elks Lodge in Accomac, on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, from 3 to 5 p.m.
For those who wish to continue to spread the Christmas cheer in Len’s memory, please consider donating to the Onancock Elks No. 1766, P.O. Box 219, Accomac, VA 23301, or simply give your time to make someone’s day a little brighter.
For those who have a story or fond memory of Len to share, please visit his tribute wall at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
