Ellison Donald Bunting, successful business owner
Ellison Donald Bunting, 82, of Dagsboro, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.
He was a Dagsboro native born Dec. 1, 1942, to the late Edward D. Bunting Jr. and Virginia C. (Rickards) Bunting.
Ellison proudly served his country as active duty during the Cuban Crisis for the U.S. Navy.
He began his career working on cars locally for Wilmer Daisey, Burton Chevrolet, Barrett Chevrolet, and Delaware State Police Troops 4 and 7 before becoming self-employed. Ellison was known for his strong work ethic, starting his own towing and car garage business, Bunting’s Garage, in 1972, which is still a thriving family business. While the garage business can be messy, Ellison took great pride in having all his trucks spotless.
When not working at his garage, he was very active in the Dagsboro Fire Company, where he was a lifetime member. Ellison was awarded the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Company Heroic Firefighter of the Year in 2004. When he found spare time, he loved to pitch horseshoes, shoot pool, and play cards. He and his beloved wife, Sara, loved dancing and listening to ‘50s and ‘60s music.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Heidi Elizabeth Bunting; a brother, Edward “Eddie” R. Bunting; a niece, Donna Kay Willey; and a nephew, Glenn Edward Bunting.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Sara (Clogg) Bunting; son and business partner, Keith A. Bunting of Dagsboro; his two beloved grandchildren, Caroline E. Bunting and Benjamin A. Bunting; a sister, Virginia Lee Taylor (Jim) of Seaford; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine R. Bunting of Georgetown, and Connie C. Webb of Seaford. Ellison is also survived by a cousin, Mary Anne Cordrey of Millsboro; nieces, Karen Sue Carey, Tara W. Quillen and Delaney Quillen; close family members, JB and Audra Mitchell, and their family; and his two granddogs, Cooper and Jaxson.
A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, May 16, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford. A viewing will also be held from 11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 17, at the funeral home, with a funeral service beginning at noon. Interment will follow at Dagsboro Redmen Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ellison’s memory to Bethel Methodist Church, P.O. Box 147, Dagsboro, DE 19939.
Online condolences can be made by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
