MARIETTA, GA (WXIA) – The neighbors who knew Bud and June Runion are shocked and saddened by their deaths in Telfair County.
11Alive's Jon Shirek spoke with their pastor at Mount Paran North Church of God in east Cobb County, who says the couple's funeral will be held there.
He says he expects the family will know in a couple of days when the services will be held.
Everyone is certain there won't be room even there for all the people who will want to attend, to mourn and to celebrate the lives of the Runions.
The iconic images of Bud and June Runion's lives are now on display in their front yard, a few minutes' drive from the church.
The flag flying at half-staff honors Bud's military service in Vietnam. The bicycle that one of the Runion's neighbors, Jamie Knowles placed below, honors how Bud and June would refurbish countless bikes, "And then donate the bikes to kids who needed them," Jamie said. "And this whole yard would be filled with bikes. So it was pretty neat. They were very, very sweet."
Bessie Brown walked by, nearly in tears, remembering her walks with Bud.
"I've walked down the streets with him and talked with him," she said. "He's just a great man."
On the Facebook page the family had set up during the search for Bud and June, a request, now, from the family -- that in lieu of flowers, people donate to continue the couple's ministry, aiding House of Hope Freehome, Georgia.
Among those who loved and respected the Runions and all they did for others, there is not just grief, but anger, too, at the man accused of killing them.
"It's like my son said, it's pure evil, Mom and greed," said Elinore Meadows.
"We hurt. We want justice, people are praying about justice being done," said the Runions' pastor, Dr. Mark Walker. "But also people are talking about loving and praying for the person who is responsible for this. The bottom line is, people want to remember the Runions for how they lived, not how they died. We want to carry on their legacy of generosity and giving."
Dr. Walker says Bud and June were trusting people, always trying seeing the good in others, even strangers -- even, he is sure, the man they approached last week, the man who is now accused of killing them.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 31 at Mount Paran North Church at 1 p.m. The church is located at 1700 Allgood Road in Marietta.
