William Louis Dunaway Jr.

The world grew a little darker on May 20, 2025, when William Louis Dunaway Jr. left his earthly body and joined his Lord and Savior. At 6'4" 324 lbs., he was a big man with an even bigger personality. Bill had a character-building childhood with his three brothers and two sisters where he learned to be a peacemaker and a friend for life. His robust life provided him with many stories that he loved to retell every chance he had. His love of food started with his mother's cooking. He seldom truly enjoyed much food after her passing: the exception being strawberry shortcake at Louis.' Bill went by many names: Junior, Orb, Moose, Dunaway, but his favorites were dad and Pop-Pop. His goal was to live to be 100, but he fell short of that at 79. He would blame it on Dunaway luck, which afflicted him his entire life. He was happy to reunite with his parents William and Geneva, sister Kate, and his wife of 57 years, Ann, who passed last October. Bill was a 1965 graduate of Fulton High School, where he excelled at sports, friendship, and met Ann. He was looking forward to the reunion in June. The man could fly. He was up for fastest man in the state when he pulled a hamstring and had to withdraw. Bill bled orange: he received a scholarship for football from the University of Tennessee. He was a walk on for the basketball team. He loved sports and was a walking encyclopedia for stats. He could call plays before they happened, but he seldom came close to winning an NCAA bracket. He loved the Atlanta Braves. He would often pull for the underdog, which explains some of his favorite team choices. Bill was never a "genus" or a scholar and Uncle Sam called him to Vietnam where he spent two years as a chaplain's assistant. He loathed his time in the Army, but he appreciated the benefits of the Veteran's Affairs in his later years. After returning home, he was hired on the Southern Railway. His job took him to many states where he made lifelong friends along the way. He retired in 2000, and Bill loved retirement more than he ever loved his job. People were drawn to him. He never knew a stranger: he could find a connection to virtually every person he met. After making the connection, he would say, "Small world." Bill never did things for praise, he did things because they were the right thing to do, and he wanted them done right. Bill had a weakness for cars: he owned 87 cars and was considering the 88th before he passed. He loved music. He had great taste but wasn't always in harmony or on key with them when he sang along. He loved Christmas and played Santa at Shoaf's Wagon Wheel for many years. He had a quick temper and a stubborn streak that he passed on to all his children and he was proud of that. He shared his opinions freely, often accompanied by his oversized index finger for emphasis. He was raised a Democrat but jumped on the Trump train with both feet. Fox News lost a loyal viewer. He was a parent who believed in giving you just enough rope to help you or hang you: the choice was yours. He had a great laugh, and all his grandkids enjoyed naps on his generous belly. We will miss his eye rolls and glares, heavy sighs, and exaggerated sneezes that would ring the brass bell in his room. His legacy lives on in his "crumb catchers": Jennifer Holden, Brent Dunaway. Tilley Roach (Brian), and Nickolas (Heather). He was very proud of his grandchildren: Nolan, Morgan, Ben, Ellie, Travis, and Hank. He also leaves his beloved siblings; brothers: John (Margo), David (Vanessa), Robert (Jean), and sister Marie (Larry), brother-in-law Bill Poore, as well as numerous well-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill always said heaven was his home, he was just passing through but we wish he would have lingered here a little longer. He left a void, but many great memories and stories that we too will retell probably more than we should. Prayers are appreciated as we learn to navigate life without our captain. A graveside service will be announced for family and friends at Greenwood Cemetery at a future date.