George R. Dunaway

George R. Dunaway Obituary

George Richard Dunaway, 59, well known by many throughout the community, passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2015 in Wichita Falls. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls with Dr. Bob McCartney and Rev. Jerry Royal officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

George was born on August 19, 1955 to George Wilbur and Mary Milburn (Henry) Dunaway at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a graduate of West Point Military Academy and achieved the rank of Captain after seven years in the military. He married Debbie Morgan on July 24, 1979 in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

Throughout the years, George was active in his church and enjoyed coaching young children in upward football and refereed basketball games.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Sergeant Major of the Army, George Wilbur Dunaway and Mary Henry Dunaway. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Debbie Morgan Dunaway of Wichita Falls; three children, David Dunaway of Wichita Falls, Penny Klimas and husband Chris of Claremore, Oklahoma and Tim Dunaway and fiancée Charis Walters of Fort Smith, Arkansas; sisters Suzanne Hunt and husband Perry of South Port, North Carolina, Martha Barnett and husband Mike of Mechanicsville, Maryland, and one brother Mike Dunaway of Las Vegas, Nevada. He also leaves behind one grandchild Charlee Klimas and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials honoring George can be made to the First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls, 1200 9th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 or to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, PVA: Donation Processing Center, PO BOX 758532, Topeka, KS 66675-8532.

George's Guestbook

• Jim wrote on Apr. 17, 2016
  I am saddened to hear of George's passing. I roomed next to George when he attended Augusta Military Academy back in the late 60's and early 70's, We had just gotten back in touch after his accident. I went to the AMA reunion this weekend and when George's name was read prior to Taps all that knew him took a moment to reflect. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers and will always remember what a fun and giving person he was. God bless.
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• Sandy Sanders wrote on Jul. 28, 2015
  "Standin' tall and lookin' good, oughta be in Hollywood."You were always leading the way George. See you on the High Ground my friend.
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• Ken Rackers wrote on Jul. 28, 2015
  To the family of George (Runaway) Dunaway -- I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and George in my prayers. As a Class of 1978 WP classmate, I did not know George all that well. But I know he was a friendly and good-natured person. The tributes on our class distribution email have been amazing and proof of the respect and friendship he merited. May he rest in peace and God bless him and his family. Ken Rackers USMA '78
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• David Rich wrote on Jul. 27, 2015
  All are diminished when a brother crosses the river too soon and the loss is especially impactful when it is someone like George. But that was always his way, leading, always out front, effortless and natural. the Long Gray Line is better for having known him, for having him in ranks. Be thou at peace, brother, until we see you again on the far shore.
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• Bill Duelge wrote on Jul. 26, 2015
  Too early for you to go George, I am so sorry to hear the news. Absolutely the epitome of toughness on the football field. It was no wonder that he was so loved by Homer Smith. He was everything that Army Football was supposed to be: he played hard, played fair, and figured out how to win against bigger stronger and faster opponents. I will never forget the hit he took in the Stanford game to keep the drive going in our 21 point 4th quarter. Fearless, always. Peace
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• David Hoy wrote on Jul. 26, 2015
  Well Done Sir. Rest In Peace. David Hoy, B1/H4 1977
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• Carl E. Linke wrote on Jul. 26, 2015
  Grip hands, brother. Well done, be thou at peace. AFC, '70
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• Bobby Knight wrote on Jul. 26, 2015
  Condolences to the entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was Georges classmate at West Point and played football with him for several years. I remember him as a great athlete and a great person. I know that he will be missed. God Bless.
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• Jim and Trina Green wrote on Jul. 25, 2015
  Although it has been 20 years since last seeing George, we were next door neighbors during the 80's in Georgia. Although many wonderful things can be said about he and Debbie both, George will always be remembered as one of the finest friends a person could ever hope to enjoy. He was more like a brother to me. A stellar human being with a kind and caring heart, I am sure he will be missed greatly. I once read that true immortality is experienced in the manner you impart loving kindness to those around you and forever enrich their lives. This is the George I will always remember. Thank you my friend.
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• Julie cable wrote on Jul. 25, 2015
  George was a wonderful man. Blessings to you Debbie. Penny we miss you and love seeing pictures of Charlee. George was blessed to have gotten to know her and loved her so. Julie Cable, Brian's mom.
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• Jose T. Morales wrote on Jul. 25, 2015
  Fellow West Point Graduate, Class of 1978. Beloved by his classmates....The Corps! The Corps! The Corps! The Corps bareheaded, salute it, With eyes up, thanking our God -That we of the Corps are treading Where they of the Corps have trod -They are here in ghostly assemblage, The Men of the Corps long dead, And our hearts are standing attention While we wait for their passing tread. We sons of to-day, we salute you – You, sons of an earlier day; We follow, close order, behind you – Where you have pointed the way; The long gray line of us stretches Thro' the years of a century told, And the last man feels to his marrow The grip of your far off hold. Grip hands with us now though we see not, Grip hands with us, strengthen our hearts –As the long line stiffens and straightens With the thrill that your presence imparts. Grip hands tho' it be from the shadows, - While we swear, as you did of yore, Or living, or dying to honor The Corps, and the Corps, and the Corps. Well done George.
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• ‍Bill Forrester wrote on Jul. 24, 2015The Soldier that knew more About being a Soldier than any of us (think he had insider knowledge). Echo-4-3' the first, the best, we stand head and shoulders above the best, we are not too large, we are lean and mean, we are number one Soldiers, and that is our theme. WETSU Sergeant, WETSU. BE THOU AT peace George.