Summerville Journal Scene ®
Matthew Joseph “Joe” Bunch, a beloved Dorchester District 2 employee, died Wednesday following a car wreck outside Ashley Ridge High School.
Bunch, 69, of 204 Pinewood Dr., died from injuries sustained in the two-car collision outside the new high school on S.C. Hwy. 165, Dorchester County Coroner Chris Nisbet said.
The Jeep SUV Bunch was in was struck by a Dodge SUV, said Lance Cpl. Bob Beres of the S.C. Highway Patrol.
Bunch was stopped at an entrance to the school about 11:45 a.m. when the Dodge — attempting to turn from S.C. Hwy. 165 into the school — lost control and struck the driver’s side of the Jeep, Beres said. The accident remains under investigation, he said.
Bunch was transported to Medical University Hospital in Charleston but didn’t survive surgery, District 2 Public Information Office Pat Raynor said.
The other driver was identified as Michele Bining, 39, of Summerville, Beres said. She also was taken to Medical University Hospital, he said, but the hospital didn’t have her listed as a patient Thursday morning.
Employees in the District 2 office were in disbelief Wednesday. They were happy to pay homage to a man Superintendent Joe Pye said, “cannot be replaced.”
“I never considered Joe to be an employee because he was a friend to all of us,” Pye said. “Joe Bunch is the most loved person to ever work in our school district.”
Pye continued: “He was appreciated and valued by the entire community. Dorchester District 2 was his life and he served this district with passion and with compassion.”
Raynor said Bunch was a fixture in the community.
“He has worked with us for a number of years and was a one-of-a-kind type of guy,” she said. “A lot of folks here knew him not just as an employee of the district, but as a friend as well.”
Staff Writer Michael Tannebaum contributed to this report.
Contact David Berman at 873-9424 ext. 214 or dberman@journalscene.com
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I was so very sorry to hear about Mr.Joe. I went to Summerville High School and Mr.Joe would aways keep myself in classmates in line. I have told stories to my children about Mr.Joe. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by: Sharon
From one of the girls you always called "boy", it breaks my heart to hear of your passing. But I know that up in heaven, they have one special angel at the crosswalk of the pearly gates! Miss you Joe! Kristie Mylin (Kent) (Virginia Beach, VA)
Posted by: Kristie Mylin (Kent) (Virginia Beach, VA)
While I was working in DD2 Joe always would pick on me. He was a bright spot in my time at Summerville High. He was so giving and caring. He provided the food at my rehersal dinner as well as a shower at my wedding. I truley will miss him and remember him as a postivie part of my time at DD2!
Posted by: Nena
It's hard to believe that we will not see Joe around school or pulling up in the parking lot with us each morning. Joe has been so loved in the community for years and years, not just as a coworker but as a friend. He always had a kind way and loved to have a good time, always picking or playing. I will miss you Joe...you were always able to bring a smile to my face.
Posted by: K. Thompkins
"Cousin Joe" was my grandfather's good friend, but he was like part of the family. He always had that big smile on his face. I remember seeing him in the mornings before school, after school, at the High School Football games, and as my AUNT said below, he played "Santa" at our Family Christmas parties. What an amazing man with such loving spirit. He will be missed dearly!
Posted by: Sheriess White Singletary
Mr Joe will be greatly missed he helped many of our young people to become what they are today no matter what your problem was he was there for for and if he knew you he helped you no matter what the how or when he was a great man and will be greatly missed
Posted by: The Meyer Family
Joe Bunch was a Summerville Institution, a beloved guardian of our children, and a happy, sweet, dear man. We will all miss him.
Posted by: The Dearharts
How many of us remember Mr Bunch at the crosswalk headed to Rollings or Summerville Elem. One of the reasons growing up in Summerville was a gift all that were so lucky should never take for granted. We are the fortunate ones. God bless Joe Bunch.
Posted by: Matt Sullivan
How sad I am to have received the call from my sister just an hour ago. My father always referred to him as "Cousin Joe Bunch" and that is exactly who he was to our family. I'll never forget running into him and Mr. DuBoise at Burger King the first (and of course only) time I skipped school in the 10th grade, and how much I looked forward to Christmas Eve when he arrived at our house as Santa! He was always a significant part of our family and my childhood. He will be greatly missed. I wished I could be there to pay my respects. You were the best Cousin Joe!
Posted by: Michelle Gay (McGill)Couch
What a terrible loss of such a great man. I remember joe from when I was a child, living in summerville. I saw him 3-4 days a week, and he was constantly at Miler country club either socializing, or cooking for a crowd. Joe will be missed, but so thousands upon thousands of children were blessed to know and grow up with Joe.
Posted by: D.Gene Gabrielli II D.Gene Gabrielli II D.Gene Gabrielli II
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