John Jennings Mr. Dunlap, III

John Jennings Dunlap, III died peacefully Friday, October 4, 2013, at FirstHealth Hospice House in Pinehurst, NC. Born May 23, 1926 in what was then known as the Paris community of southern Anson County, John (called 'Buddy' by family and childhood friends) was the son of John Jennings Dunlap, II and Janie MacAlister Dunlap. He had three older sisters, Sarah Virginia Dunlap, Jane MacAlister Dunlap, and Armantine Dunlap Groshong, all deceased. His much loved wife, Helen Hales Dunlap, also preceded him in death. Two daughters, Helen Jane Dunlap and Kate MacAlister Dunlap of Pittsboro, NC, survive him. There are four grandchildren, Mya Jennings Smith of Palo Alto, CA; Ethan Dunlap Smith of Chapel Hill, NC; Caleb MacAlister Bruce of Charlotte, NC; and Dylan Haley Bruce of Burlington, NC. He was the great-grandfather of Samuel Elliott Smith and Aaron James Smith of Chapel Hill, NC. He enjoyed a long career as the Comptroller of Wansona Manufacturing Company in Wadesboro, NC. After retirement, he committed himself to community service. John Dunlap's love of Anson County and knowledge of its history are unsurpassed. He was passionately devoted to the Anson County Historical Society, where he served as an executive leader, local historian, and newsletter author/editor until his death. He was instrumental in the restoration and maintenance of local historic buildings and cemeteries, and helped create the museums and historical displays that are an important part of his legacy. A committed member of Calvary Episcopal Church, John served as a lay reader and Senior Warden for many years. He also gave community service as an officer and member of Rotary Club International, and state and local ABC Boards. Dunlap enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17 and served in World War II as Navigator for USS PT342 and MTB Ron 24 in the South West Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his valor. He returned to the United States on the USS Ticonderoga and was discharged at Norfolk, VA on December 19, 1945. He was a proud patriot and enjoyed PT Boat reunions with his fellow veterans for many years. Dunlap was educated in the city schools of Wadesboro, NC, and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1950 with a B.S. in Business. He remained an enthusiastic and lifelong fan of Carolina sports, and relished any opportunity to root for Tarheel football and basketball teams with his friends. An athlete since childhood, John especially enjoyed playing baseball. Later he became an able and avid golfer, and participated in the establishment and development of golfing clubs in Spring Hope, NC and Wadesboro, NC. He enjoyed classical, bluegrass and swing-era music; dancing; card games, especially Bridge and Gin Rummy; jigsaw puzzles; reading history, historical and mainstream novels; flowers and ferns; bird-watching; traveling; giving local historical tours; driving the backcountry roads of Anson County; and his dogs, particularly his Boston Terriers and his last Jack Russell Terrier, Bogey. His love of social gatherings, booming voice, large presence, and unequivocal opinions will be missed. Nothing delighted him more than lively, spirited conversations with his friends, and a good Scotch whiskey. The family will receive visitors Tuesday, October 8, from 4 pm until 7 pm at his beloved home at 302 Lee Avenue in Wadesboro, where he will lie in repose until the funeral. A Celebration of and Thanksgiving for the Life of John Jennings Dunlap, III will be held at 11 am Wednesday, October 9, at Calvary Episcopal Church in Wadesboro, followed by committal at Eastview Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Anson County Historical Society or the Anson County charitable organization of their choice.