Gerald Roland Dunlap

1943 - 2013

MIDLAND Gerald Roland Dunlap went peacefully to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 16, 2013, surrounded by family; he was 69 years old.

Gerald was born in Knox City, TX, on July 31, 1943, the fourth of seven children.

Gerald's life could be summed up like this: he thought of others higher than himself. He chose professions that allowed him to use the gifts God gave him to act upon his desire to serve others. Gerald was a veteran of the US Army and a police officer. He was a school teacher. He worked for Ector County for over 25 years. The word most often used to describe Gerald is "genuine." There wasn't a pretentious bone in his body. The rewards of this life didn't interest Gerald. He was too meek; he was too merciful; he was too pure in heart. Gerald was that rare human being who was incapable of putting down someone else. His smile was contagious; when Gerald smiled you wanted to smile with him.

Gerald's two vices were Dr. Pepper and John Wayne movies. The only book on his nightstand was the Bible. Gerald didn't complain. He didn't have a use for it. Gerald's words were chosen carefully and they were used to encourage others and to bring laughter into the world. The love of his life was his wife, Pam. Any temporary relief he experienced from his fight with Alzheimer's was because of her presence by his side.

Today Gerald resides with his savior, Jesus Christ. It is now that Gerald shall reap his eternal reward in the Kingdom of Heaven.

This day he shall receive mercy, this day his suffering is complete, and this day and for all eternity he shall see God.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Jack Dunlap, and brother, Winston Dunlap. He is survived by his wife, Pam Dunlap; children, Reta Ward and James Dunlap; grandchildren, Alesha, Kalee and Marley Ward; step-sons, Brent Hill (Emily), and Brandon Hill (Kimberly); step-daughter, Brittany Dobson (Bubba); and 5 step-grandchildren. He also leaves behind sister-in-law, Nancy Dunlap; brothers, Wendell Dunlap (Theresa) and Durward Dunlap; sisters, Winona Keester, Annette Hall (Jerry) and Sherry Meers (Monte); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, March 20th, in the Chapel of First Baptist Church, Midland, TX. Graveside service will be at 3:00 pm at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.

Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.