Barry Bunch

Sergeant Barry F. Bunch, age 57, born in Oak Ridge Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home after a brief illness on December 23, 2024. Barry was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend to so many. Throughout the 38 years of law enforcement, he was known for his leadership, dedication, and hard work. Sergeant Bunch came to the Oak Ridge Police Department in 1994; serving with tremendous dedication, holding specialized roles including an originating K9 Officer, SWAT member, training instructor, and was promoted to Sergeant in 2019. Most recently, he was supervising the Police Department’s School Resource Officers throughout Oak Ridge City. Barry also served as a Deputy for Anderson and Knox Counties, an Officer with Clinton Police Department, and spent several years out of the country in Kosovo and Haiti, working as a Police Advisor for the U.S. Department of State. Barry had many hobbies, including his love for guns and ammunition, boating and fishing, and enjoying time with family and friends. 

Barry prided himself in being a Cop’s Cop, believed in looking for the genuine good in others, and was always there to lend a hand or ear to anyone.

He is survived by his wife Melissa; his father Freamon, brother Brian, and sister Tina Cross and husband Steve; two nieces, Paula Cross and Stepheney Stretton and husband MJ. He is preceded in death by his mother Lois Jacks, sister Paula Bunch, and his favorite K9 partner of many years; his faithful German Shepherd “Bor.”

A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday, December 28th from 10am – 12pm. Memorial service will begin at 12pm. The burial will follow at approximately 2pm at Foust Cemetery near Clear Branch Baptist Church in Rocky Top, TN. 

Mott- McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Bunch family.