Richard A. Dunlap

Published 8:26 pm Friday, December 2, 2016

Mr. Richard Allen Dunlap, 63, of Asheville, NC, passed away encircled by family early Friday morning, December 2, 2016 at StoneCreek Health and Rehabilitation Center, Asheville.

Richard (Rick) was born November 5, 1953, in Washington, to the late Kenneth E. Sr. and Martha T. Dunlap. This day he is in the welcoming arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and those gone before, after a struggle of many years with the debilitating effect of diabetes.

Rick was a graduate of Washington High School and Wake Technical Institute, Raleigh, NC, with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology. He began work in 1981 for the NC Department of Transportation in Winston-Salem. He loved his job as a surveyor, but was forced to retire early due to health issues in 1985.

Rick’s adult years were long-suffering, but through his family, he was able to receive total devotion and dedicated, sacrificial love. Their service enabled him to have as comfortable a life as was possible, and they were blessed for their unending giving of oneself. He developed juvenile diabetes at an early age, 9, but was able to experience life with much care and love from his family and various churches he attended for many years. His faith in Jesus was strong, never wavering, except when he suffered from the cruel ravages of this lifetime disease. There is great sadness this day for his survivors, but we rejoice that his spirit is alive and well, and there are tears of happiness that his earthly struggles are complete. As the apostle Paul tells us in 2 Timothy, Chapter 4, verses 7-8: “7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Those who survive his passing are brother and caregivers, Tommy and sister-in-law, Kim Dunlap of Belmont, NC, sister Anne and brother-in-law, Steve Leach of New Market, TN, brother, Kenneth E. Jr. and sister-in-law, Debra Dunlap of Grapeview, WA, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service 3:00 pm Monday, December 5, at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, conducted by the Rev. Chris Wilson, Carson Memorial Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC.

You may address condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Dunlap family.