Richard Anthony Bunting

Richard “Dick” A. Bunting, 84, of Fort Lauderdale, FL passed away on January 5, 2024. Born March 1, 1939, in Fort Lauderdale, FL to Adele and William Bunting, he was the youngest of three children, brother Bill Bunting and sister Beatrice Hall.

Dick Bunting was the best version of the Florida Man. He trapped land crabs until, to his dismay, he caught a raccoon. His days as a trapper ended but he still caught wildlife with a fishing pole or his camera lens. He rode his bike through the clouds of insecticide billowing behind the mosquito trucks and seemed no worse for the wear. In fact, all his life he was never again bothered by “The State Bird” of Florida. He excelled at baseball and developed his lifelong love of sports and fitness.

After graduating from Fort Lauderdale High, he headed north to attend FSU, became a Phi Delt, stayed long enough to get a BS and MS, and to elope with a beauty named Barbara Wenders who became mother of his three daughters, Christie Bunting McVay, Tracy Bunting-Early and Beth Bunting.

On to a career as a high school teacher and coach of many sports. Coach Bunting was loved even when he made them run or swim that extra lap. He claimed that there was no food he didn’t like and originated the swamp chomp for his science students, cooking up fried gator, frog legs and turtle stew. Along those lines, he felt there was no such thing as a bad beer, and his preferred was Bud Light.

He spent most of his life in south Florida with a detour in the 70s and 80s to Franklin, NC, where he built his first house, and Orlando, FL where he became a bachelor again due to divorce. No matter where he lived, he preferred to be near the water – creekside, lakefront, or on the ocean.

After years of teaching at many schools, he retired from Northeast High in Fort Lauderdale. He proceeded to embark on the best retirement life he could imagine. Among other things, he kayaked through the everglades, travelled the world and country, built another house in Sopchoppy, FL, and spent times at ballgames, festivals, life events, concerts, and, of course, his favorite happy hour spot with his multitude of friends and family.

He had the fortune of being loved by and loving on his grandkids, Connor McVay, Cameron Kate McVay, and Ada Early.

Through it all he was the fittest, happiest, nicest, handsomest man most people encountered. The only exception is if FSU was losing, then you’d better steer clear.

He will be sorely missed by his survivors, all of whom he loved deeply – his above-mentioned daughters and grandchildren, surviving sister, Beachie Hall and by her six sons Jay, Billy, Ricky, Greg, Timmy, and Joel along with their wives and kids, his best friend Dave Calvin and so many friends from over his four score and four years.

During his long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, he continued to dance to music, crack jokes and help those in need up until almost the end. And though his wish to be “dropped off in the woods when the time came” was not fulfilled by his daughters due to fear of elder abuse accusations, Richard was peaceful when he passed on to the great unknown.

Per his request, his remembrance will be a Celebration of Life Party and will be held on what would have been his 85th birthday, March 1st, 2024. Details will follow and can be requested at email address [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).