Mr. Billy Ray Bunting, 86, of Chincoteague Island, passed into the arms of the Lord surrounded by his loving family on May 14, 2026.
Billy Ray was born on Feb. 11, 1940, to the late Harry Clay Bunting Sr. and Mary Andrews Bunting on Chincoteague.
Billy Ray graduated from Chincoteague High School in 1958. He married the love of his life, Barbara Gordy Bunting, and 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 and a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class.
Billy is survived by his daughters, Brenda Bernstein (Bryan), of Hebron, Md., and Teresa McCain (Bill), of Salisbury, Md.; his grandchildren, Jeremy Bernstein, Rachel Forte (Eric), and Caitlin Martz (Connor); his great-grandchildren, Tucker Forte, Layton Forte, and Easton Forte; and his special nieces, Patsy Savage and Ashley Watkinson.
He was predeceased by his sister, Ruth Williams, and his brother, Harry Clay Bunting Jr.
Funeral services were held at Union Baptist Church on Chincoteague Island at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, with the 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 were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
