Memorial service for Retired TSGT (Dr. Elder) William Hayward Buntyn, 79 of Killeen, TX will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at Christian House of Prayer in Killeen, TX. Inurnment with Full Air Force Honors will follow the service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Dr. WILLIAM HAYWARD BUNTYN was the second child born to William Edward Buntyn and Bernice Barrow-Buntyn. He was born on September 26, 1946, in Harlem, New York City. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Juanita Buntyn, as well as his mother and father. He passed away April 16, 2026, in Killeen, TX.

William, known as "Billy," was educated through the NYC education system during his primary and secondary years, ultimately graduating from Commerce High School in New York. Shortly after graduation, Dr. Buntyn was drafted into the United States Air Force in 1966. He proudly served his country for almost 23 years, reaching the rank of Tech Sergeant before he departed the military. He received numerous awards and recognition for his noble service to his country. He was a proud Veteran that was honorably discharged.

His military service allowed for opportunities for him to be assigned to many military bases, including abroad in Asia. He developed a love for culture and cooking. He is known for his famous "Buntyn's Bisquettes", which were a favorite of many friends and family members.

Later in life, Dr. Buntyn furthered his educational endeavors by gaining his associate's degree from Palo Alto Community College and St. Mary's University, both in San Antonio, Texas. He also earned his Doctorate degree and Ph.D. degree from the Minnesota Graduate School of Theology in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

His love for knowledge and education was instilled by his grandmother, Emma Lee Gatlin-Buntyn, who raised him and his siblings.

His grandmother would be proud to know he was a published author, penning "The Perils of a Father Missing in Action: The Power of Redemptive Love," a tribute to his only (and loving) child, Suwanna Buntyn, who connected with him late in life.

During their connection, Billy and his daughter enjoyed road trips and celebrated holidays and special occasions. He was overjoyed to meet and know his only grandson, Boonyarit Arthur Gorsakul, while visiting Las Vegas, Nevada. Ms. Suwanna Buntyn not only reconnected with her father, she provided immaculate care to his wife, Sister Juanita, before she departed this earth. Ultimately, Suwanna also became her father's caretaker for many years before his death, giving them the opportunity to bond and forgive and love each other.

Billy was called to serve the Lord at an early age while attending Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem. He served as an usher and choir member. He was known as a neighborhood street urchin in one of the most notorious blocks in New York City, which provided great opportunities for God to mold his character for ministry.

While living in San Antonio, Texas, he connected with the Macedonia Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Roland Franklin. It is here where Dr.

Buntyn gave his life to Christ. He served faithfully for several years and then became the youth minister at Westridge Baptist Church until his move to the Christian House of Prayer in Copperas Cove, Texas.

Elder William Buntyn joined the Christian House of Prayer on March 29, 1992, under the leadership of the late Bishop Nate Holcomb. As he grew with the ministry, he became instrumental in assisting with premarital counseling, marriage ceremonies, funerals, and periodically pulpit ministry. On July 27, 1997, he became the seventh elder in the Christian House of Prayer Ministries. He was the elder that loved to worship. He had a crisscross dance move that we all waited for as he danced before the Lord. We will remember his love for Jesus and his funny humor that made us all laugh. He had a favorite statement when asked how he was doing: He would exclaim lovingly and boldly "I AM STANDING ON TOP, IN SPITE OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES". In November 2018, after the death of Bishop Holcomb, Bishop's wife Valerie Ivy Holcomb became his pastor. She affectionately called him "Doc El." She said that "he had so many titles" she "had to combine them." Bishop would affectionately call him "Professor" because of his prolific pronunciation of the Scriptures. He shall be greatly missed.

Dr. Elder Reverend William Hayward Buntyn joins in heavenly bliss: his beloved wife of 47 years, Juanita Buntyn, who preceded him on December 24, 2022, grandmother, Emma Lee Gatlin Buntyn, October 1987; mother, Bernice Barrow, December 1996; father, William E. Buntyn, April 2003; one stepbrother, James McCain, Jr., September 1994; and two sisters, Ina Ray Buntyn, August 2000, and Bernadette Buntyn, December 2018.

He leaves to cherish his legacy: his loving daughter, Suwanna Buntyn of Harker Heights, TX; grandson, Boonnyarit Arthur Gorsakul of Las Vegas, NV; one brother, Pastor Paul Buntyn of San Marcos, Texas, and wife Jo Ann Ross-Buntyn; sisters, Cynthia R. Buntyn-Sowell, Bernadine Buntyn-Virani, and Denise Buntyn-Montgomery; as well as a plethora of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and ministry sons and daughters. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!