Acie Bunch

Acie Charles Bunch, 59 of Rock Island, IL, died Monday, September 11, 2017, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2017, at Edgewood Baptist Church, 2704 38th Street, Rock Island, with Rev. Ed Kuriscak officiating.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Esterdahl Mortuary, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline, IL.  Burial will be at National Cemetery at the Rock Island Arsenal, with military honors conducted by the Vietnam Veterans of America.  Memorials may be made to the family.

Acie was born on September 13, 1957, in Moline, IL, the son of Charles Bunch and Barbara Sherwood.  After attending Rock Island High School, he graduated from Milwaukee High School in Milwaukee, OR, where he excelled as a linebacker on the football team.  Following graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he served in Yokosuka, Japan.  It was after his time in the Navy when he became a professional heavy-weight boxer.  With fights from Davenport to Las Vegas and a match at Madison Square Garden, New York in between, he was the first winner of the Quad City Toughman Competition in 1980.

In 1984, he met his best friend, Gloria, with whom he would have three beloved children; Austin, Natasha and Cherokee.  Besides his wife and children, he loved animals and he and Gloria had many of them as family members over the years.  He was a volunteer at the Quad City Humane Society.  He also was an avid Harley Davidson fan who enjoyed getting on his bike and riding for miles with his wife at his back.

He was a member of Edgewood Baptist Church, Pena’s Boxing Club, and the American Legion.  Prior to his death, he was the Fleet Manager at Florilli Transportation Company, West Liberty, IA.

Of all of his achievements and titles in life, his most cherished title was that of “Papa.” He is survived by the loves of his life, his grandchildren; Payten, Millie, Avi and Wally (whom the family is patiently waiting for since he is three days overdue).

He is survived by his mother, sisters, Debbie, Robin and Susie, countless family and his best friends, Field and Brent.  He is predeceased by his father, step-father, Paul Francescon, and his grandparents, Acie and Mildred Sherwood.

To know him, was to love him.  He was a gentle giant with a heart to match his size and most of all he was a fighter to the end.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.