The Life of Stephen D. Bunkley

Stephen Dedrick Bunkley was born December 20, 1971, to the beautiful union of Mr. James and Anita Bunkley in Atlanta, Georgia. He was baptized at a young age at the Ben Hill Christian Church were he remained a member. Steve was a cherished son, brother, father, uncle, teacher, master barber, comedian, storyteller, dancer (YEEK!), musician, and loyal friend, who will always be remembered for his quick wit and generous heart.

Growing up in Ben Hill, Steve was actively involved in recreational basketball, baseball, and football. He was most talented and excelled at baseball.

Steve never met a stranger…anywhere he went! He was well known in every space that he occupied and had a deep love for his family, friends, Ben Hill, Therrell High School, Fort Valley Wildcats, all things Atlanta.

After graduating from D.M. Therrell High School, he joined the U.S. Army where he became a Medical Specialist ranking as PV2 E2. After earning an honorable discharge, Steve enrolled at Thee Fort Valley State University and followed in his father’s and mother’s footsteps, finding his passion in joining Thee FVSU Blue Machine Marching Band (BMMB) as a screaming trumpet player.

In 2012, Stephen earned the Ambassador Distinction by graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Assistance from Everest College in Atlanta while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Out of all of the things that Steve learned to do, he enjoyed cutting hair the most. He was always ready to give a fresh cut or line up to his brothers, family, and friends. He took pride in making others look and feel good.

On January 13, 2026, at 11:11pm, Stephen Dedrick Bunkley took flight one last time, but this time it was the flight of no return. He was able to see his father, the late Mr. James Wilson Bunkley and sister, Mia Janitra Bunkley, who both preceded him in death.

Steve is survived by a loyal son, Simeon D. Bunkley; devoted mother, Anita Bunkley; dedicated brothers, Shawn D. Bunkley (Kimberley), and Sherard D. Bunkley; nieces, Schylar D. Bunkley and Shemia D. Bunkley; and nephews, Shamari D. Bunkley of Perry, GA and Sherard D. Bunkley II; loving aunts, Thelma Bunkley Ford of Albany, GA; Mary Frances Bunkley Anderson of Manchester, GA; Barbara Bunkley Russell and Peggy Bunkley Hambrick, both of Atlanta, GA, Frances Bunkley and Ida Faye Bunkley of Detroit, MI and a host of cousins, extended family, the Ben Hill community, and friends.