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Wlaf1450A fifteen year old Billy Bunch started his military career in World War II
By Jim Freeman
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- On Wreaths Across America Eve, we turn our thoughts to one of Campbell County’s World War II heroes, Billy Bunch.
Though Bunch was born at Jenkins, Kentucky, he spent the balance of his life in Campbell County.
As the story goes, a 15-year old Billy Bunch told his grandmother that he’d hobo a train if she didn’t sign that he was 18 so he could join the Navy. She signed, and the teen was off to World War II in 1943.
“He served in the South Pacific starting and staying the whole time during the war on an LST-636 ship,” said Bunch’s oldest daughter Libby.
Bunch spent four years in the Navy and returned to the mainland on the USS Pine Island, according to Libby.
Once home, Bunch entered into law enforcement. He spent his civilian career in the Tennessee Highway Patrol serving as a captain for many years. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/12/2025-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF’S CHARLIE HUTSON)
Here is a related story that published on December 11, 2025 on WLAF.
Saturday is Wreaths Across America “and” Campbell County Day
Remember the fallen, Honor those who serve, and Teach the next generation the value of freedom.
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Saturday is Wreaths Across America Day, and it will be the first time this special day will be observed in Campbell County. “I learned about this touching ceremony when meeting with my DAR group, Daughters of the American Revolution, and decided we ought to take part here,” said Captain Vivian Loudy, U.S. Army Nurse retired.
The purpose of Wreaths Across America is to make sure our veterans are not forgotten, according to the captain. “When we place a wreath on a veterans grave, we say their name and salute,” said Loudy. This first observation in Campbell County is in conjunction with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1148.
“We’re picking up the wreaths today, and we will first gather Saturday at 10am at Woodlawn Cemetery (at the end of West Central Avenue). Anyone who would like to join us is welcome to come out,” said Loudy. Scouts and members of the JRTOC program will also be helping.
The Grantsboro cemetery at the Grantsboro Baptist Church will be the next stop on Saturday.
This year, National Wreaths Across America Day will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025. Join the more than two million volunteers and supporters who will gather to Remember, Honor and Teach at more than 5,200 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad, including Campbell County, Tennessee.
Sponsor a veteran’s wreath in honor of or in memory of a loved one who served in our armed forces. Or, sponsor and allow us to designate a recipient among the millions of heroes who rest in honored glory.
Volunteer with us as we honor our veterans throughout the year. From laying wreaths locally to leading a sponsorship group or coordinating a ceremony location, there are many ways to get involved!
Invite your network of friends, family, coworkers and organizations to join us as we strive to honor every veteran. As the scope of our mission grows, so too does the need for support. Help us to spread the word!
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-12/11/2025-6AM-IMAGES AND TEXT COURTESY OF WAA)