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Phillip Dunaway Obituary
Phillip Lee Dunaway Jr., of Benicia, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 3, five days after his 80th birthday. He was born on Jan. 29, 1936 to Phillip Sr. and Jannie Dunaway in their home in Asher, OK. He lived in Asher until he moved to California in 1943 during the middle of the first grade. That summer his family moved to Benicia and he completed his public schooling by graduating from Benicia High School in 1953.
He attended Southern California Bible College, now Vanguard University, for two years. In 1955 he transferred to University of the Pacific in Stockton and graduated in 1958 with two degrees, a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts.
Upon graduation from UOP, he worked as an educator in the Benicia Unified School District for eight years and then the Mt. Diablo Unified School District for 33 years. He retired in June 1999 after spending 41 years in teaching. He was listed in Who's Who In American Education and Who's Who Among America's Teachers. He loved US History and while he taught at Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek, led hundreds of eighth graders on trips to Washington D.C. to visit the nation's capital.
He was licensed with the Assemblies of God in 1976 and served in a part time capacity as music minister in several bay area churches for over 20 years. He directed the Singing Christmas Tree at Vallejo's Church on the Hill for seven years and was the music director for the church's weekly TV program, "Celebration of Life". Additionally, he started the Singing Christmas Tree at Hilltop Community Church in Richmond.
On Nov. 19, 1960 he married Marlene Ann Dixson at First Assembly in Vallejo and together they began a traveling music ministry in 1967. They recorded eight albums and traveled throughout the west coast, the Far East, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Since 1979 they lived in Benicia. His wife Marlene passed away last January after 54+ years of marriage. He is survived by two sons, Russell and Curtis and their wives, Susan and Carol, both of San Ramon, and four grandchildren, Ashley, her husband Marcelo Pinell, Zachary, his wife Sadie, Cameron, and Colson.
Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Skyview Funeral Chapel, 200 Rollingwood Drive, Vallejo.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m., also at Skyview Funeral Chapel.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Skyview Memorial Lawn, 707-644-7474.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phillip Dunaway
Sponsored by Skyview Memorial Lawn.
March 28, 2016
Knew Phil from High School days. Always reflected the love of Christ. Good friend to me and my wife, Bev.
Jerry Slade
Judy Davena
February 11, 2016
Mr. Dunway was my 8th grade teacher in Benicia. I enjoyed his classes and music. He was a wonderful person. May his family find peace in the coming days from all the fond memories they had with him.
Judy Davena
February 11, 2016
Mr. Dunaway was my 8th grade teacher in Benicia. I enjoyed his classes and music. He was a wonderful person. May the family find peace in the coming days from all the fond memories they enjoyed with him.
Judy Davena
February 11, 2016
Mr. Dunaway was my 8th grade teacher in Benicia. He was a wonderful person. I enjoyed his classes and music. May his sons and family find peace in fond memories of him.
Judy Davena
February 11, 2016
Mr. Dunaway was my 8th grade teacher in Benicia. I enjoyed his classes. He was a wonderful person. I send deepest condolences to his sons and their families. May fond memories bring them peace in the days ahead.
Debbie Shandil
February 11, 2016
Beautiful tribute and sounds like a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you Russ and all your family during this difficult time.
Skyview Memorial Lawn
February 10, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Joan Bonnickson Nibert
February 10, 2016
Mr. Dunaway was my teacher in 5th and 6th grade. I loved his classes and have wonderful memories of him. Also, he regaled us with stories of Russell and Curtis; clearly he loved them to the moon and back.
Brian Momsen
February 10, 2016
One of the best teachers I ever had. Nearly 40 years later, I still remember most the words of the "By the Rude Bridge that Arch the Flood" poem.
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