Wallace Edward Dunham

Wallace Edward Dunham

Wallace Dunham Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 12, 2011.
DUNHAM MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Wallace Edward Dunham April 19, 1940 June 7, 2011 Wallace Edward Dunham (Wally), age 71, of Myrtle Beach, SC, died on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born on April 19, 1940 in Winston-Salem, at Baptist Hospital, to the late Wallace Gamewell Dunham and the late Phyllis Dunham Ward. He attended the University of North Carolina and graduated from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in Wilson, NC. Surviving is his wife, Elizabeth Dunham, and children, Dana Gillespie (David) and Brooke Stickney (Michael) both of Raleigh NC; H.W. Eastwood (Mechelle) and Dana Alba, both of Atlanta, GA; sisters Nancy (Rufus) McAden, New Bern, NC; Phyllis (Tom) Brown of Ridgeway, SC; Margaret (Chris) Whittle, Pawleys Island, SC; and brother Dennis Dunham (Ann), of Myrtle Beach, SC. He had ten grandchildren. Wally's life centered on football, hunting, fishing and family. His football career began at Winston-Salem's Reynolds High School, 1956-58. He entered UNC on a football scholarship in September, 1959 but after a successful freshman year, suffered a career-ending knee injury. He played briefly for the next two years but left UNC in his junior year. Taking a break from football, he took a job as sports editor at the Statesville Record and Landmark newspaper but soon returned to the sport he loved as an assistant football coach with Wilson Fike High School and student at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC. He left Wilson for a head coaching position with Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC followed by a head coaching stint with Grainger High School in Kinston, NC. He left coaching for a career in business back in Wilson, working with Hennis Freight Lines, then as an administrator with Wilson Technical College, followed by relocation to Myrtle Beach, SC to manage the family hotel business. He ultimately returned to football as a coach and teacher with the school system in the Myrtle Beach area, where he worked until retirement. Wally loved traveling and enjoyed many memorable adventures with his wife Elizabeth, exploring many different parts of the US. A celebration of life was held on Friday, June 10, at Salem Funeral Home in Winston-Salem and a private service for family will be held at a later date. His family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. A memorial for Wally has been established at Camp Hanes in King, NC, to honor him and his love for the camp and the outdoors. Donations can be sent to Camp Hanes, YMCA of Northwest NC, 1225 Camp Hanes Rd., King, NC 27021, Attn. Bob Kable, Director. Online condolences to www. salemfh.com.

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June 6, 2019

Sonny Rannells posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 3, 2011

Stanton Scarlett posted to the memorial.

Sonny Rannells

June 6, 2019

Wally and I met and became friends at Camp Hanes in 1948. We stayed in touch over the years. We were at a Camp Hanes reunion the weekend prior to his unfortunate and unexpected passing. I miss him and think of him and our times at Camp Hanes often.

November 12, 2018

Wally was my cousin and we kept in touch off and on through the years. We'd been planning to meet just before his mom, my aunt, Phyllis, died. His personality was great; he used to sing to me with his southern accent and, aged myself, I can't recall the song. Best wishes to Nancy, Phylis and Dennis.

Stanton Scarlett

July 3, 2011

At the RJR High School 50th reunion, several years ago,Class of 1959, I was able to spend time with Wally as several of us spoke of days gone by. I respected Wally very much and felt he always projected a very positive image to us. May God bless his family.

Elizabeth Wilkins

June 30, 2011

Im so sorry to hear about Coach Dunhams passing. he was a great teacher and a great friend. I had him for us history and he helped me through a lot. He will be greatly missed

Ben Baxley

June 22, 2011

Mrs. Dunham,

Mr. Wally had a special place in my heart and I was saddened to learn of his passing. He, Dad, and I spent many mornings together in the duck blind and the conversations we had will never be replaced. If I heard "Kill Devil Hills" once, I heard it a millions times; Dad and I would always chuckle when he said that. The trip we all took a few years ago duck hunting in Virginia is one of my fondest memories.

With his passing the Baxley's also lost a family member but the memories of our times together will always be cherished and never be forgotten.

Mr. Wally was many things to many people, but I am honored because I called him “Friend”. He will be greatly missed by all and the Baxley duck blind will never be the same.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Friend!

Glenna Johnson

June 17, 2011

Elizabeth,
Wally has a special place in my heart. He was my sub at Conway Middle when I had my first child, Julianna. I always enjoyed spending time with Wally. I was fortunate enought to go on some fieldtrips to Cheroke, NC with him as a chaperone. We always had a great time. Then later camping as a group. He always loved the outdoors and made the rest of us love it too. He will be missed. All my love to you and your family.

Glenna Johnson
Teacher, CMS

Tassie Collins

June 17, 2011

I was also a student of Coach Dunham's at Carolina Forest High School. He was always warm and welcoming, smiling and laughing, teaching and telling stories. He coached our football team, hosted pig pickins on school grounds, brought in deer meat to his classes, and sponsored a Wild West trip. He loved his family and was always talking about his wife and his daughters. He made lasting positive impressions on all his students. We knew he genuinely cared about us. He made it easy for us to care about him too. That is why so many of us are writing to say we are sorry to hear he is no longer with us, and to help celebrate him and everything he stood for. In his classroom he taught us to appreciate our family, to enjoy the people around us, to pursue things that bring us happiness, and to share that happiness with others. He was an amazing teacher and mentor to many many young people including me.

Sam Robinson

June 16, 2011

I have many fond memories of Wally and your family from the days we shared growing up in Winston-Salem, playing football at Reynolds High School, and going to the beach at Nags Head.

Please accept my condolences and prayers for your family at this time of remembrance for Wally. He was always a thoughtful and kind person and my memories of him as a teammate during our years at Reynolds are some that I will never forget.

May God bless you and your family,
Sam Robinson

Josephine Dozier-Burgos

June 15, 2011

I knew Wally from Conway Middle. He took me and my class to the mountains in North Carolina.It was a first. I loved him for that. I will truly miss his pleasant smile and sense of adventure.May God continue to bless you and you family. Love Mrs Josephine Dozier- Burgos

Jenny Westbury

June 14, 2011

Elizabeth,
I was so sorry to hear of Wally's passing away. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers.

Gene Price

June 14, 2011

Every one at Reynolds High School knew and admired Wally and I will always remember he tied Wilson in the state championship football game.My sympathies to the family and friends. Gene Price Reynolds Hi class of 1957.

John Sunday

June 13, 2011

Coach Dunham was a great inspiration to his students. I first had him in seventh grade at Conway Middle School. His love for the outdoors and the field trips he took us on left a huge impression on us. He really shaped my life as I later took the career path as a forester. I owe him so much for opening this door for me. You will be dearly missed.

Sonny Rannells

June 13, 2011

Wally and I were friends in early life, hanging out before hangin' out was cool, circa 1948. We were campers together at Camp Hanes and then our lives took separate paths in the mid 50's. I was fortunate to spend Friday evening and Saturday with Wally at the Camp Hanes Reunion, 3 & 4 June. We talked about perhaps getting together one day soon. Lots of fond memories
"brother", you will be missed.

Randy Akers

June 13, 2011

I had the pleasure of having Coach Dunham as my US History teacher during my junior year at Carolina Forest High School. I will never forget his passion for teaching, as well as his passion for all the experiences life had to offer. His wife, Elizabeth, was also a receptionist at CFHS and is quite possibly one of the kindest people I've ever met.

I will never forget sitting in Coach Dunham's class on 9/11, and the absolutely horrified expression he kad on his face when another teacher came in and told him the news. He didn't let on that something was wrong, though - he remained calm throughout the rest of class.

I will truly miss Coach Dunham - I was indeed lucky to have him as an influence in my life!

June 13, 2011

Mr. Dunham was a pt where I work. He was always so friendly and always laughing! He was one of my favorites ! He will be missed !

Rachel Todd

June 13, 2011

I took Coach Dunham's US History class my junior year. I learned so much from him, he was such an inspiration. He once told his love story of his wife Elizabeth, and to this day it still touches me. When asked once who had made the biggest impact on my life, I replied promptly with his name. He was my favorite teacher, he was there for his students and not just a pay check. My heart goes out to his wife and children, but I am glad that I was lucky enough to have him in my life too!!!

June 12, 2011

I Had not seen Wally since he graduated from Reynolds High School but what I do remember was that he was a great athlete and good man. Wally was someone that us younger athletes could look up to as a role model. Growing up, people in Winston-Salem always looked up to the Dunham family because they were just that, a great family! He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, students and athletes under his tutelage.
Phil Hightower

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June 6, 2019

Sonny Rannells posted to the memorial.

November 12, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

July 3, 2011

Stanton Scarlett posted to the memorial.