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William Dunkum Obituary

NEWPORT NEWS - William Daniel Dunkum, 52, passed away Aug. 9, 2008, at Sentara CarePlex Hospital, Hampton.
Preceding him in rest are his parents, Fredrick and Bonnie Dunkum, and brother, Ricky Dunkum.
Surviving family members are his sister, June Azimi, husband, George Azimi; nephew, Ryan Azimi of Oklahoma City, Okla.; aunts, Genova Waddles of Hayes, Susie Wilkinson of South Bend, Ind., June Monfalcone of Hampton, Norsie Conley and Thelma Wicker, both of Mousie, Ky., Fredia Hiler of Angola, Ind.; uncle, William Dunkum of Newport News; and many cousins.
The family would like to thank his employers, Mr. and Mrs. James Lehman, and special friend, Joan Lehman, for their loving care and support for William.
A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press on Aug. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Dunkum

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Jennifer Test

September 15, 2008

There are three very funny stories that I will always remember, all of which have Bill's name written all over them. I read these entries from your friends and family and see that you have always been the kind hearted, funny guy that I once had the pleasure of working with.Keep them laughing in Heaven!

Gary Hudson

September 12, 2008

I was saddened to hear of Bill's Passing. I will always remember his laughter, warm heart, and bright smile. We shared many good times during our mis-spent high school days in Hilton. We had some fun! His family was always welcoming, and we shared many a free meal at Uncle George's Monyty's. I remember when he came to visit me and Ramsey in LA, and I tried to encourage him to stay and pursue a career in acting. I wish he had. I always enjoyed watching Bill, in the many plays he participated in at Warwick. In recent years, I would see him at Harris Teaters. My parents, who saw him at Harris Teaters often, would always tell me how personable Bill was. How they enjoyed visiting with him. He was a thoughtful good man. He will be missed. Heaven just became a warmer-funnier place....Gary Hudson

Barbara E Tyner

September 11, 2008

Bill, I just found out a couple of days ago when I read my email...I was shocked and terribly saddened and even filled with regret that we'd grown apart as friends often do. You died on my birthday and every year I will toast your life and your wonderful friendship.
I wish I'd known earlier so I could have attended your memorial. You were one of my best friends for so many years. Who knew when I ran into you at Friday's just before I left Newport News, it would be our last time together. You looked great and, as always, made me laugh and laugh! You were so funny!
Remember the igloo we built at the Artzer's with Cindy and Kenny? It even had a window and we put a rug in it and all six of us got inside and shared a cold beverage. That should definitely have been a snow shot for the Daily Press! And you always had the best manners---Elizabeth told me they received a thank you card from you!
And remember "Barbara Burns". We had a special voice in which we spoke her name. She, too, is sad to learn of your passing and told me how you were always so nice to her. Gosh, Bill, you were always nice to everyone.
I have so many fond memories and pictures that I will always cherish. I so wish I could have said good bye, Bill. You may not have even known I'd moved. I'd been thinking about you a lot lately as I wanted to get in touch with you to tell you about the Hilton Gang Reunion.
Yes, you did look like Will. I watch the re-runs almost every day (though through tears now that hopefully will eventually pass) and think of you. You'll always be my Will and I will always be your Grace. I love you and will miss you forever.
Until we meet again, my old friend, may God bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you; I pray that His loving arms are wrapped around you and you are surrounded by all the love you so deserve.
Good bye for now...

And to Aunt June---he loved you and Uncle George so very much; and he loved Bonnie; and Junie, he absolutely adored you and Ryan---he talked about the two of you all the time! And to the Lehman family, words cannot express my gratitude to you for being his friends and loving and supporting him especially in his darkest hour. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Bill's family and close friends.
(I am changing my driver's license from "undecided" to "donor" in Bill's honor.)

Joey Frankie

September 3, 2008

I just recently heard of Bill's passing. It made me very sad and my condolences go out to his family. Although it has been many years since I last saw Bill, I will never forget the fun times we shared together and with other local friends back in our high school and college days. Bill was a decent human being and always pleasant to be around. His great sense of humor still brings smiles to my face as I remember some of those past memories. I hope you're in a better place, Bill. Goodbye.

Toni Cacioppo

September 2, 2008

I have are so many memories of Bill - theatre, music, much laughter, Monty's, tears, go-carts, beach. . .I adored him as did all of my family. I'm sending an alarm clock set for 3am straight up to heaven. What a glorius addition he has made to our host of angels. I'll miss you, Bill.

Ramsey Al-Salam

August 30, 2008

I am saddened to hear of Bill's passing. I live in Seattle now, but I remember Bill as a gentle soul, with a quick wit, broad smile, and contagious laugh. I will always remember fondly his visit when I lived in California. We hitchhiked up the coast to San Francisco, and spent two days enjoying that beautiful town (albeit on a budget--we had to stay at the YMCA!). I feel privileged to have known him, and will cherish the memories.

Glynn Mayo

August 30, 2008

I'm very sorry to hear of Bill's passing . He was a kind man . I met Bill in high school . He could always make you laugh. He was a good friend to my family . Rest in peace Bill .

Glynn Mayo Spotsylvania , Virginia

Bob Howard

August 30, 2008

Will always had a smile for you and a great sense of humor.Rest in peace Will and God bless you.

Sally Chavez

August 29, 2008

Bill was a very good friend of ours, Sally Streker Chavez and Lisa Rayfield Riggles. We talked today on the phone about all of our memories of Bill. When I would think of Bill over the years, I would always remember how funny he was. I can see his smiling face. He was such a fun person to be around. Even though he has left us he will never be forgotten. We will always cherish the good times we had with him. Rest in peace Bill.
Your good friends, Sally and Lisa

Audrey Cantrell

August 29, 2008

I worked with Will at Harris Teeter and had a lot of talks together .So sorry that he is gone but not forgotten. My condolences to his family Will rest in peace.

Linda King

August 28, 2008

I was sorry to hear of Will's death. It has been awhile since I last saw him. I worked with him at Harris Teeter a few years ago. He was a kind person. He will be missed.

Karen Bacon Bacon

August 28, 2008

Our family wil miss Bill so much. My sister, Amy Gordon, and my husband, Wayne Bacon, both have wonderful and long ties with Bill. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed. God Speed, Bill!!!

Bernie Klein

August 28, 2008

I am sorry to hear of this loss. I worked with Will a few years back at Harris Teeter. He was a great guy to know I am honored to have known him.

kristin mitchell

August 28, 2008

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I worked with Bill many years ago at Monty's (late 80's) and saw him several times over the past few years; I will always remember how kind he was to my mother.
Kristin Mitchell

Reverend Jim & Danielle Lehman

August 28, 2008

We will miss William, very much as an employee,resident and good friend.
His kindness and generosity will be forever remembered, as will his cheerful and oftimes humorous personality.
Our prayers and thoughts to you
Rest in peace with God, dear friend.

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