I believe my father gave John's father his commercial check ride back in the day of the CAA. John took organ lessons from my mother, Nan Mercure, all through highschool. I remember hearing the name Ray Bunnell as a youngster from my parents who were good friends with Ray and his wife. I never had the pleasure to fly with either Ray or John. My late wife's parents, Dana and Paige Jones, were also good friends of the Bunnells.

We were so sorry to hear about John. We were also fellow Buccaneers and part of the Delta family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

It is difficult to put into words what we feel when someone who means so much to us dies. We will always remember John as a true and loyal friend. One  that you could always count on, no matter what. John was the closest thing to a brother that Frank had.  And even though they didn't always see eye to eye (as with it sometimes goes with brothers), I know that Frank loved and respected John as much as I did. He will be deeply missed.

We miss John.  He was a long time dear friend and we enjoyed many adventures with him and Cheryl over the past 20 years.  Life isn't the same without his humor, generous spirit and friendship.   We will always cherish the memories and fun times and be thankful that he was a part of our life.

John was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone who knew him.  There is comfort in knowing he will be remembered as a wonderful, generous man who cared about those he knew.  Every time I walk into Montana's, I will see him in "his seat", holding court with all his many friendsand I will smile.

All of Delta's flight attendants will miss John's sweet spirit and smiling presence. He did, however, have a bit of a competitive side. He would always try to land back in Atlanta earlier than any other Captain flying the route. He was amazingly early every time I flew with him. No one could live up to the John Bunnell legend! He made such a difference in our work day, and he will be sorely missed.

Cheryl and Family

I am deeply saddened for your loss. John was a great friend and one I will remember forever. He was so generous and we shared so much laughter through the years. We enjoyed bantering as we called it. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and I will cherish all the happy times John and I shared together.

John was my childhood friend in East Point and we had some adventures together. I lived across the street from him on Duke of Gloucester but lost touch after we graduated Briarwood High. He was a fine young man and I was saddened to hear the news of his passing so young. My heart goes out to his sister and wife.

I am so sorry to hear of John passing away. He will be missed by many. I know there is one more pilot riding with us, keeping us safe on every flight.

I was lucky enough to know John for 14 years. He was an incredible man who touch so many people, in many ways. John was a great friend to me and I am truly blessed that I was lucky enough for him to be a part of my life. He will truly be missed. May his memory be eternal.

Cheryl and Family...My deepest condolences. This has to be such a difficult time. I was John's neighbor in Marietta GA many years ago. I have some fond memories of that time. Rest in peace John. Pat Bergeron (Pontell)

I have had the pleasure and honor of flying co-pilot for John for more than fifteen years.  We've shared many hours in the air; laughs, stories, and reflections on life.  When you sit three feet away from someone flight after flight you really get to know them.  I have never met a more gracious, caring, and professional pilot as John.  He will be greatly missed by the Delta pilot community and everyone he knew him and worked with him. Godspeed, JB.

To the family of mr. John Bunnell.  My condolence and that you will find comfort in these words. Mathews 5:4.

So sorry to hear about the passing of John I enjoyed the time at BHS. I remember our time in Chorus. I will be praying for your family during this time of loss. God Bless.

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

My thoughts are with the family. As a retired Delta Flight Attendant & daughter of retired Delta Captain Billy Burgess you well never be alone. You will always be part of the Delta family. Find comfort that he will be watching over you.
Cindy Burgess Simonsen

Cheryl, please know that Greg and I have you in our prayers, thoughts and hearts.  I cannot imagine how you get through the loss of your best friend and husband. John will be sorely missed. Please pass along our condolences to John's family.

The Bunnells were long times friends with my family. My dad, Capt Chas W Walker (Charlie) taught Ray to fly. We had cabins at Jackson Lake along with them. I used to baby sit both Kris  and John Ray. I am named after Ray and my daughter is named Shelly Ray and my Granddaughter is Chandler Ray. So yo see the Bunnell family lives on  and on. John Ray was a precious person. He loved Delta just as his dad did and my dad did. 
When John Ray was born we went for a boat ride in the snow at Jackson Lake. 
One day I was holding him and walked down the front steps at their cabin and fell down the steps with him in my arms. His mama always said , " that's what's wrong with his head cause I dropped him"!!  He was only a few months old. 
He was a great man and I am in shock that he is gone from us. 
May God bless the family with strength and peace through this awful time. Penny Ray Walker Pruitt

I will miss you guy-the memories are with me. I celebrate your life and am glad you welcomed me in yours. Until we meet again. Mrs Partner (Karen Pontell)

John's kindness, humor, thoughtfulness, and professionalism was things we loved about him. Working his flights was a pleasure.  My prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

I am a Delta Flight Attendant and a former high school classmate.  I am so sorry to hear of his passing.  Thoughts and prayers for the family at this time.  We appreciate all of his service to our company all these years.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.   

 2 Corinth 1:3-5

My condolences to the Bunnell family and friends. May the God of all comfort strengthen you all during this time. Ps 116:15

I loved flying with John on the San Juan turns. He was so very kind to all of his crew and supported us in every way.He would get off the plane in San Juan and bring us sweets from the little bakery there. When I had been flying for 40 years, he gave me a framed copy of the Delta Digest of the exact month and year that I started flying.  I cried. What a generous,wonderful man. I will miss him. Prayers for your family, John. With a grateful heart.

I remember "little" John always bugging Kris and I when we were young children playing in the old neighborhood... or at Jackson Lake. He was always such a cute little boy. May God rest his soul.

I'm looking at my Delta retirement picture above my desk and John's signature was the first on it and separate from the rest. He was the last one of us left on active duty with Delta from the summer of '79 new hire class. Was so sure he would become #1 on the seniority list, just like his dad. So sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

I will always think of John when there in an Auburn- Alabama game on, or when I fly. I was just talking about    John the other day. I remember One day playing golf he let me hit his driver. I liked it so much. The following week I went out and bought one.
He will be missed.

War Eagle John.

I have known my partner for over 3o years ...what a great guy and a wonderful heart..I will miss him very much

I will miss John's friendship and the comraderie with John over the years.  I share the sorrow of losing John with his family and many friends.


May the peace of Gid be with your family during this difficult time. Phillipians

OBITUARY

Mr. John John Ray Bunnell

4 January, 1956 – 24 July, 2016

Roswell Funeral Home & Green Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services