William Randolph Bundy Jr.'s Obituary
William Randolph Bundy, Jr. affectionately known by his family and friends as “Bundy”, departed this life on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Fauquier University Hospital in Warrenton, Virginia. He was born on July 8, 1945, in Fredericksburg, Virginia to the late William Randolph Bundy, Sr. and Thelma Maggie Brown-Bundy and he was the eldest of four children.
William grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia and he graduated from Walker Grant High School. On October 5, 1967, he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country during the era of the Vietnam War. During his enlistment, he earned the following medals and decorations: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Marksman Specialist Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) Commendation. William completed his military term and was discharged from the Army with full honors on November 22, 1971.
Shortly after departing from the military, William relocated to Washington, DC, where he worked as a Telephone Wiring Electrician and then as a Master Painter for William C. Smith and Company. He specialized in home Improvement and color tapestry, and he honed his talent at William C. Smith (earning a reputation for painting lines and angles with razor-sharp precision and agility).
William enjoyed fishing with his daughter, Sharlon and his nephews, Derrick, Russell, and Quentin Bundy. In his earlier years, he developed a passion for playing the Bass Guitar. He enjoyed his guitar so much, that he became the headliner for a local band in Fredericksburg, VA. The band performed various Rhythm and Blues tracks from the 1960’s era in local clubs. William enjoyed performing songs by legendary artists, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, and Otis Redding, to name a few. He especially loved Otis Redding’s music so much that he named his second son Otis. During his final years, he would occasionally sing his version of Otis Redding’s “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long – To Stop Now” to his son Otis and his daughter, Sharlon. His love of music was passed down to his eldest son, Gene Pratt, who God blessed with a melodic voice and a gift for song.
In 1989, William returned to Fredericksburg to be closer to his family and most of all, to live a simpler life. During these years, he enjoyed quiet moments at home, western television, classic sitcoms, action-pack movies, and occasional interactions with local friends and neighbors for idle chatter. He met up with his friends at the local 7-11 and coffee shops to touch base until he was no longer able to do so. Unfortunately, William began to show signs of acute respiratory illness in 2010, which was later realized to have manifested from exposure to certain chemical agents during his service in the Vietnam War. Despite of his illness, he maintained an amazing will in life. He left an indelible legacy of bravery, endurance and strength to his surviving children.
William leaves to cherish his memories, one brother, Lewis Bundy (Joanne) of Fredericksburg, VA; four children, Gene Pratt, Otis Pratt, Sharlon Buchanan, and Kevin Speight; and one stepdaughter, Karisa Murray (Gary), all of Maryland; five grandchildren, Briona La-Shae Thomas, Gene “PJ” Pratt, Jr., Trinity Hawkins, Jasmine Funderburk, and Dionte Payton; three great-grand-children; and a host of relatives and friends who knew and loved him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father; and his brother, Russell “Nick” Bundy, Sr. (Gwendolyn); and sister, Vitriolo “Vicki” Bundy-Coles (Rudolph).
In honoring the life of William Randolph Bundy, Jr., we celebrate a man who exemplified amazing strength, tenacity and fortitude. He spoke his mind on matters in life; however, he maintained a gentle and caring demeanor. His personality was reminiscent of a peaceful body of water – calm, tranquil and still. Despite our grief, we are comforted in knowing that he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 1, 2025, and we are confident that heaven welcomed him, free of pain, glorified and finally, justified. MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE !!
The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 21, 2025 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA. A reception will be held after the burial at the funeral home.
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