Harold Avon Dunaway's Obituary
Harold Avon Dunaway was born May 18, 1937, in Marion County, Mississippi. His father was theschool superintendent and his mother worked making parachutes for the war. He grew up on a farmwith no electricity, no phone, no paved roads, and got water from a windmill pump. Harold was 13 when his father passed away, so he began running the farm, plowing with his mules, Kit and Kate.Harold attended Baylor University, where he received a BS in Business in 1961. Following that, he joined the Army to serve his country. He was a medic, and was discharged with honors.In 1965, Harold began his illustrious career in Commercial Real Estate in Dallas, Texas. He was very successful in all aspects, from brokerage to development to construction. He was always honest and his word was his bond.Harold met the love of his life, the beautiful Joyce Annette Jones. They were married by Dr W.A.Criswell on September 7, 1968, at First Baptist Church of Dallas. The two forged a life-long partnership spanning 50 years. Harold and Joyce have said throughout the years that the reason they were so successful was that God was in the middle of their marriage.Harold was a man of God. He was a wonderful husband, an amazing father, he loved his sons-inlaw like they were his own and he was a terrific PaPa. He was a great provider for his family. Harold had a passion for sharing God’s plan for salvation through Here’s Life Africa, Campus Crusade for Christ and Josh McDowell Ministries.Harold loved hunting, but fishing was his favorite. His favorite local hotspots for bass were Toledo Bend and Tawakoni. He also traveled to remote places like Costa Rica where he caught tarpon and hammerhead sharks. Twice, he went to the Amazon where he landed trophy-sized peacock bass. His grandkids would say he was a “tricker.” He always wanted to share a joke or story. His family called his many humorous sayings- “Haroldisms.” There is talk of a book.Above all else, he wanted to leave a legacy. Harold passed on to Heaven, surrounded by his family, on December 28, 2018. He is survived by his wife Joyce Dunaway, daughter Dana Willats and husband Simon, daughter Debbie Ayres and husband Brad, daughter Darla Neisemier and husband Jay, as well as 7 beautiful grandchildren: Gina, John Harold, Jaylie, Wyatt, Jolie Ray, Frankie and Nash.The Celebration of Life Service for Harold Dunaway will be:Friday, January 11, 2019 at 2:00 pm Prestonwood Baptist Church
What’s your fondest memory of Harold?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harold?
Share a story where Harold's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harold you’ll never forget.
How did Harold make you smile?