Tola "Ray" Dunavant

Tola "Ray" Dunavant, age 89 of Dublin passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born December 12, 1935 in Matoka, West Virginia to the late Stuart Ray Dunavant and Gertrude "Gerty" Bernice Walker Dunavant. He was also preceded in death by his sisters Bernice Dunavant (Bill) Thurston, Shelby Jean (Bill) Moore, Dunavant Moore and Wiladean Yost; in-laws Herman Tickle and Lucille Tickle.

Ray proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer Second Class for four years, an experience that shaped his lifelong devotion to service and love for his country. Outside of his career, he was an avid coon hunter and fisherman, always ready with a story or two from his many outdoor adventures. His professional life was one of purpose and impact - a gifted teacher and dedicated principal who influenced countless young lives. Yet, among his many accomplishments, Ray was perhaps most proud of his achievements as a baseball coach, guiding his players not only on the field but in life.

Ray shared 68 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, and together they built a family that was his greatest joy. He took immense pride in his children and their accomplishments, seeing in them the reflection of a life well-lived and values well-taught.

Ray's kindness, generosity, and steadfast love for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He believed in building not just structures, but relationships and memories that stand the test of time.

Ray is survived by his

Wife of 68 years – Loretta Jean Tickle Dunavant – Dublin

Children – Douglas Ray (Robin) Dunavant – Dublin, Charles Stuart (Courtney) Dunavant – Pulaski, Kathy Sue (Rodney) Landreth – Little River, SC

Grandchildren - Samantha Sutherland (Lee), Shae Caldwell (Ray), Jennifer Dalton (Darren), Jordyn Rose, Heather Dunavant, Kari Ray Perfater (Kevin), Hunter Bailey, Payton Banks (Trey)

Great Grandchildren - James Sutherland (Emily), Brooke Wagoner (Cole), Kaci, Kylie and Kinsley Caldwell, Atleigh Dalton, Graycen Dunavant, Karson, Kyler and Kayden Perfater, Braelynn Bailey, & Beau Banks

Brother-in-laws – William Fred Yost, Douglas (Kathi) Tickle

Sisters-in-law – Ernie Sproles, Evelyn Robinette

Numerous nieces, nephews and extended family

Funeral services will be held 12:30 PM – Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at the Max Creek Baptist Church, Draper with Rev. Mike Coleman and Pastor David McNeill officiating. Interment will follow at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-6:00 PM - Monday evening December 8, 2025 at the Bower Funeral Home, 1631 Bobwhite Blvd., Pulaski.

In lieu of flowers the family asks the memorials to be sent to Easter seals @ www.easterseals.com or the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ www.stjude.org

To sign Ray's online guestbook, visit www.bowerfunerahome.com - Bower Funeral Home & Crematory, Pulaski is handling the arrangements for the family.