RAYBURN EARL DUNAWAY

Rayburn “Ray” Earl Dunaway, age 82, of Donalsonville, GA, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2024, at his home after an extended illness.

 Ray was born on September 20, 1941, to William Ralph and Ina Maude Weston Dunaway. He was born and raised in Bascom, FL where he was surrounded by his extended family. Ray attended school in Jackson County, FL and was trained as a Firefighter after graduation, a profession in which he exceled in Florida and Georgia. In 1959, Ray married the love of his life, Lavenia Whigham. Early on, they made their home in Marianna, before settling in Donalsonville, GA to raise their family.

Although he had a successful career in the fire service, he is best remembered in the role of a family man. He was a devoted and attentive husband of 65 years. As a father, he showed unquestionable reliability, and always had words of wisdom handy. It was also not uncommon for him to pull an extra chair to the table for his son’s friends whether they needed a listening ear or encouragement. In his later years, he settled nicely into the role of Granddaddy. He found joy in his grandchildren’s accomplishments and was quick to share about them with people he encountered. 

 He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lavenia; his sons, Ron Dunaway and Shannon Dunaway (Meredith); his grandchildren, Ronnie, Gabriel (Mackenzie), Marleigh, Jacob, and Ivy Rae.

 Mr. Dunaway was preceded in death by his parents, William Ralph and Ina Maude Dunaway, as well as one sibling.

A family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM EST (10:00 AM CST) at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Bascom, FL with Rev. Slade Alday officiating.  Interment will immediately follow the service.  No visitation will be held.  In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.