Gaylord Douglas Bunton

Gaylord Douglas Bunton was born on January 2, 1939, to the union of Ruby (Eilers) Bunton and Rwyne Brown Bunton in Austin, Texas. Gaylord was an only child and the center of attention within the Bunton household. Gaylord’s mother suffered a stroke during his birth, paralyzing her on her right side. He treasured his mother immensely and made it his life’s mission to love, care and provide for her. He may have been an only child, but he was surrounded by numerous extended family members. He considered himself welcome at each of their homes, especially at dinner time. Gaylord was showered with loads of love and attention from everyone that he encountered during these memorable years. 

Gaylord attended Rosewood Elementary School in Austin until his family migrated to Oregon for a very brief time. They ultimately joined extended family members when they settled in San Francisco, California. He attended Marina Middle School and George Washington High School where he ran Track and Field. He attended City College of San Francisco, where he obtained an Associate in Arts (AA) degree.

Following completion of his education in the late 1950’s, Gaylord returned to Austin for a visit and reconnected with his childhood friend and neighbor, Janie Lee Dotson. Gaylord and Janie were married on July 20, 1958. Three daughters were born to this union: Roslyn, Gina, and Karen.

Gaylord made a commitment to Christ as his Lord and Savior at a young age. In San Francisco, he united with Neighborhood Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Ulicious Metters. Membership continued under the leadership of Gaylord’s cousin, Pastor Peter Williams, and his current Pastor and friend Pastor Lane Hawkins. He was an active member of the Male Chorus and the Iron Man auxiliary. As his final role of service, he served on the Board of Trustees until his emeritus designation in 2019. He treasured his church family, remaining a faithful member of ‘Neighborhood’ until his passing.

Gaylord had multiple jobs during his lifetime, most notably as a State Toll Taker on the Bay Bridge in the 1960’s. In the 1970’s he worked in Civil Service for the City and County of San Francisco as a Meter Maid and in 1973 he joined SFPD where he was a Police Service Aide, stationed at the City Jail and at Taraval Police Station until his retirement after 30 years.

Gaylord met Barbara Whitaker in 1977, he was a great role model to her two children. In 1981, Gaylord and Barbara had a child named Gayla. Gaylord gave Gayla a lifelong nickname of “Bam” never calling her Gayla, which was quickly adopted by other family members. Gaylord was a big brother to Sharon Black. Gaylord enjoyed playing dominoes, ping pong, checkers, shooting pool, traveling, and going to county fairs every summer. He was a pillar in our family, one of a kind, and well respected by all.

Gaylord’s wife Janie, daughters Roslyn and Karen and Godson Elmer Brewster preceded him in death. Gaylord peacefully transitioned to heavenly rest on June 15, 2024. He leaves to cherish his memory: daughters Gina (Michael) Bunton-Williams and Gaylicia (Gayla) Bunton, granddaughter Kyra Hughes, step grandson Michael D. Williams and his children, honorary grandson Marlo Johnson (Chelsey) and their children, honorary grandson Aaron Nicholson, honorary granddaughter Courtney Nicholson and her children, sister-in-law Elijah Mae Dotson, Goddaughter Patricia Nicholson (Michael), Goddaughter Tristyn Ross, the Price family, the Whitaker family, treasured friends Odysseus Webster, Robert Hearn, Willie Jackson, Billy Howard, many adopted sons and daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his beloved Neighborhood Baptist Church family.

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