Joe Howard Bunn of Fancy Gap, VA passed away Friday November 14, 2025 at the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC.  He was born in Fancy Gap, VA on October 26, 1942, to the late Rufus and Rita Bunn.

Joe was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He could always be counted on to give his time and assistance to anyone who needed it. As a long-time principal in the Carroll County School System, many of his employees respected and loved him for his leadership, humor, and support. He loved his family, and was affectionately known as Papa Joe to his grandchildren. He was an avid farmer, woodworker, hiker, canoeist, and camper, and his children fondly remember many summers of the family camping at Grayson Highlands State Park. Joe actively volunteered his time with the community, working with the Jaycees to establish the Christmas box program and serving as the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 286 in Fancy Gap for many years, where he helped many young men reach the rank of Eagle Scout, and for which he was later awarded the Silver Beaver award for his outstanding service. In his retirement, he spent a great deal of time helping his wife, Ruth, bring her gardens to life and creating his beautiful painted barn quilts.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Ruth Bunn, and his parents, the late Rufus and Rita Bunn.  Left to cherish his memory are:  sister, Joyce Bunn; children and spouses: Kim and Allen Robinson, Brian and Beth Bunn, Brett and Jennifer Bunn, Joel and Amy Bunn; nine grandchildren:  Austin Bunn and wife Lauren, Jon Robinson and wife Katie, Kymbre Robinson and husband Andrew Simmons, Emily and husband Daniel Lauterbach, Erin Bunn, Vivian Bunn, Ephraim Bunn, Gavin Bunn, and Markus Bunn; and great-grandchild, Wesley Bunn.

The family expresses special gratitude to Mountain Valley Hospice of Galax, VA, special friends Terri Henry and Jerry Richardson, the nurses, staff, and Doctor of Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC, Senior Home Share, and all the family and friends who visited and cared for him during the last few months.

The family will be having a visitation at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Funeral Home in Hillsville, VA on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  A graveside service for family and friends will be held on Thursday at the Bunn Family Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

In addition to the love and devotion Joe shared with his family, he shared a great deal of his time with others. Individuals are encouraged to donate resources or time to organizations including Scouting, Save the Children, and other philanthropies. Donations may also be made to the Joan & Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC.  Flowers for the viewing may also be sent to the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel which is serving the Bunn family.