Dr. Gary A. Bunting   
 
SHALLOTTE, N.C. - Dr. Gary A. Bunting, 63, of Brierwood Estates, Shallotte, N.C., died at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, N.C., on Feb. 16, 2004. He was born in Tampa, Fla., and grew up in Newport News, Va. He had recently moved to Shallotte, N.C., after having lived for 36 years in Clarkston, Ga. Dr. Bunting attended Mercer University, Macon, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1963. He received his doctorate of pharmacy from the University of Tennessee in 1985. Dr. Bunting continued his professional education through numerous courses that specialized in psychopharmacology. He was founder of Professionals Recovery Alliance, PC and worked with numerous other rehabilitative programs for health professionals. He was also a Clinical Associate Professor of Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and at Mercer University School of Pharmacy. Dr. Bunting helped thousands of individuals and gave countless hours counseling families dealing with substance abuse. He was a member of Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bunting will be remembered as a kind and gentle man who enjoyed reading, playing golf, and shag dancing. Dr. Bunting was preceded in death by his parents, Linwood and Ruth Archer Bunting and John Thomas (Jack) Gibbs Jr. He is survived by a daughter, Susan Bunting Byus and husband, Trey, Athens, Ga.; a son, Bradley A. Bunting and wife, Kimberly, Watkinsville, Ga.; sisters, Barbara Harper, Macon, Ga., and Peggy E. Gibbs, Plant City, Fla.; brothers, David Bunting and wife, Sharon, Maumelle, Ark., and John Thomas (Jack) Gibbs III, Plant City, Fla.; grandchildren, Lindsey, Hayes, and Miles Bunting and Drew Byus; a fiancée, Gail G. Roberson; and numerous nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held at Oconee Hill Cemetery, Athens, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Rev. Pam Driesell will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or UGA Foundation/College of Pharmacy, Development Office College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA 30602. Lord and Stephens, West, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Daily Press on 2/26/2004.