Billy Dunson

1929 - 2019

Billy "Bill" Dunson
November 14, 2019
Rochester, Washington - Billy "Bill" Duane Dunson passed away at his home in Rochester, Washington on November 14, 2019 due to complications from a stroke. He was born May, 30, 1929 in Crosbyton, Texas to Millard and Velma Dunson. He was the middle child of seven children. Bill served as a corporal in the United States Army and fought in the Korean War. He married Barbara Proell in 1955 and together they had two daughters, Sandra and Kristine. He worked as a brick mason as part of his family business, Dunson Construction. Once he retired, he spent his winters as a "Snowbird" traveling in his motorhome to Arizona with several of his siblings. It was during one of these trips and after playing many rounds of golf, that he and his brother Jim decided to build their own golf course in their backyard. After lots of hard work and sweat their dream became a reality and The Gate Ranch Golf Course was born. The Gate Ranch was a donation only course designed for everyone. Bill enjoyed meeting with everybody that came to play and would often give them pointers whether they wanted them or not. The golf course has been featured in several newspaper articles and magazines. Bill was featured on the local news station as one of Eric's hometown heroes. He was also featured on an episode of Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe. He was overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support and admiration from the community. He was proud of what he and his brother had accomplished and the joy that the golf course brought to him and the community. He dedicated his life to maintaining the golf course (which was no small task) up until his passing.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Millard and Velma Dunson, brother LA Dunson, sister Loretta Olson, sister Jaunita David, brother James Dunson, step son Mike Dunson.
Bill is survived by his sister Margret Bohanan of Irrigon Oregon, sister Serena Malech of San Jose California, daughter Sandra White Eyes (grandson Michael Matullo, great-granddaughter Temprence Matullo, great-grandson Dominic Matullo) of Carmichael California, daughter Kristine Coli (grandson Dustin Coli, of Verdi Nevada, granddaughter Patricia Miller (grandson James Miller, great-granddaughter Lucy Miller, great-grandson Calvin Miller) of Reno, Nevada, Step son David Dunson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends whom he loved dearly.
Due to a few small things such as a global pandemic, we were not able to celebrate Bill's life in a way befitting of him until now. His family hopes that everyone who he knew and loved will now come to share some memories and to celebrate and honor the life of Bill Dunson.
Please join us on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 11:00 am at The Swede Hall, 18543 Albany St., Rochester, WA 98579
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Rochester High School golf team, 19800 Carper Rd. SW, Rochester. WA 98579 or to First Tee Golf: First Tee-South Puget Sound, 7108 Lakewood Drive West, Tacoma, WA 98467 attn: Ryan Kallenberger. Make checks out to First Tee SPS