of Conway, AR
March 9, 1935 - December 29, 2022
Louis Sharpe Dunaway, III went to the Lord on December 29, 2022. Everyone who met him instantly fell in love with his sense of humor and some found a special bond with him by joining him for his 5:00 cocktail tradition.
The only things he loved more than his taste for bourbon (and gin, Scotch, ok and vodka) was his wife, Mickey, who preceded him in death in 2014; his son, Sharpe and his 3 grandchildren.
At this point I'd like to stop talking about my dad in third person and tell you what he meant to me. I'm not even sure if this is how an obituary is supposed to be written. But I've never been great at following rules perfectly.
Dad wrote in his diary every day since 1957. This was neat on so many levels because I can go back and read about the day he and Mom first met, the day I was born, his take on historic events and even the boring days when all he did was watch TV. But on the other hand, my childhood was pretty well documented too. Which is why the diaries will be hidden and locked up.
Dad was a school teacher, both in Little Rock and the St. Louis area. Many people would never guess that he was pretty good at speaking Spanish. That man could roll an "R" so well the chandelier in the dining room shook.
He saw many parts of the world, traveling mainly to Europe, Russia and Mexico. However, in 2020 Dad and I took a cross-country train trip where, with very few exceptions, we stayed on the train and he just looked out the window at the changing landscape. That trip meant more to me than any other trip we ever took. In my heart, I knew this was his last travel experience and he absolutely cherished it.
I'm a drummer today because Dad confiscated a pair of marching sticks from one of his students. I started out drumming on metal trash cans in the backyard, then moved on to my first drum set, followed by several excessively loud bands. Through it all, neither Dad or Mom told me to stop or turn it down. They let the neighbors and the police do that.
I was a momma's boy, and I always feared Mom passing away first. But when that happened, Dad and I bonded like never before and I'm blessed to have had that time with him.
I love you Dad!
Louis is survived by his son, Louis Sharpe Dunaway, IV, his daughter-in-law, Angela (Cia) and three amazing grandchildren, Louis Sharpe Dunaway, V (Quint), Grey Dunaway and London Dunaway.
Terribly missed, never forgotten.
A Memorial Graveside will be Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 2:00PM at Oak Grove Cemetery.
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34 Condolence(s)
Carey Voss
Monday, January 9, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Dunaways on behalf of the Voss family, who dearly loved Louis and Mickey. How I would love to know what fun your parents and Jerry Voss had together in St. Louis, but I am quite certain Jerry never encountered more enthusiastic collectors of his work. As the youngest (and last) Voss on this branch of the family tree (I am Russell's daughter), sometimes I wish I was born a bit earlier so I could've heard stories of old Conway connections when our respective relatives were alive to share it. Wishing you peace.
Edwin Dunaway
Saturday, January 7, 2023
What a wonderful cousin! Always a good time visiting with Louis and Mickey. It was impossible not to have a smile on your face and laughs galore listening to his stories and observations. He knew all the family history and stories. He will definitely be missed. Edwin and Sharon Dunaway, Geoffrey and Linda Dunaway.
Joyce Pennington
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Much Love. Yes. I loved that man, such a wonderful delight to speak to and stories...I've heard over 50 stories and recently sang La Cucka Racha so wonderfully. He lived life BIG, he loved BIG, everyday was a new day and it was enjoyed. He is at the top of my list of my favorite people of all times. I will miss him and think of him often.
Blane Ecsedy
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Sharpe, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. His humor, intelligence, and worldliness will be missed.
Bart, Bret, Melanie Hall
Monday, January 2, 2023
Your Dad was awesome, Sharpe.
Love and prayers from the Hall family.
Chad Beaty
Sunday, January 1, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss guys. He was an awesome man. If you guys need anything. Please reach out. We love you guys.
The Beaty Family
Leisa and Ty Sims
Sunday, January 1, 2023
The stories I’ve heard about your dad are epic Sharpe. His memory will live on forever in those stories. Love from the Sims.
Christopher G Seep FHS67
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Many years ago, in a faraway galaxy, Mr Dunaway was my Spanish teacher for two years. His child-like sense of humor made him very popular with his students. Under his leadership the Spanish club always defeated the French club in our annual competition (Mr Dunaway always found a way to cheat). I'm glad he was able to enjoy a long, productive life. Surprisingly I still remember a lot of the Spanish he taught me. Mr Dunaway, you'll be missed!
Amanda Pearce
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Sharpe, I cannot express how sorry I am that you lost your father. I know how close you two were, and my heart breaks for you. I pray that God comforts you and your family during this difficult time. Find solace in knowing you will see him again. I’m always here for you as a friend should you ever need one. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lori Hensley
Saturday, December 31, 2022
I am sorry for your loss. Thinking of you guys.
Bob and Lynnette Rook
Saturday, December 31, 2022
Sending prayers to you and your family.
Stephanie Seligman
Saturday, December 31, 2022
So very sorry for your loss! Praying for you and the family through this transition 🙏
Tom Harrington
Saturday, December 31, 2022
I'm so sorry. Praying for y'all
Roger Crawford
Friday, December 30, 2022
Sorry for your loss my friend. Tho I never met your Dad your words give me the true sense of who he was not only to you but to the world itself. I know he was a great man because I know you and who you are represents the greatness of humanity. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Keith Newkirk
Friday, December 30, 2022
Did not know him but know Sharpe and how much love he and his father shared !! Prayers to Sharpe and family as I know he will truly be missed....
Patti Heath
Friday, December 30, 2022
To Sharpe and family I am very sorry for the loss of your dad. I send you all my prayers and condolences, May the Lord be with you all through this time.
Gloria Tackett
Friday, December 30, 2022
Personality plus, runs in the family, great obituary. I walked to Grumpy’s at 5pm to celebrate the life of Mr. Dunaway in his traditional cocktail hour or two. ChEeRs 🥂 ♥️you Sharpe.
Stacie Layman
Friday, December 30, 2022
Having never had the opportunity to meet him, it's SO apparent he was one of a kind! I can only imagine how much Greater Heaven became the second he entered Its Gates!
My love and prayers are with you, Sharpe, and your family.
Michael peterson
Friday, December 30, 2022
Sorry for you loss sharpe I never met him but I know he was a cool dad
Carey Moran
Friday, December 30, 2022
So sorry for your family’s loss Sharpe.
Ricky Pridmore
Friday, December 30, 2022
Prayers for all, 🙏🙏🙏
Cathy
Friday, December 30, 2022
Sharp you don’t know me but I know of you through my BF Jerry. We see you at Magic Springs concerts setting up to film them. I’m very sorry about your Dad. He sounded like one heck of a man and Dad. Please accept my condolences. Cathy
Saundra Roberts, Haney
Friday, December 30, 2022
Keeping your family in my heart.
I didn't have the privilege of knowing him personally but I feel like I have known him for years thanks to you Sharpe.
Truly,
Saundra
Gail Casselman
Friday, December 30, 2022
I never met Sharpe’s Dad personally. Through social media, I have a sense of what a wonderful person he was with such a witty sense of humour and a way of telling a story. My heart goes out to the family. May God Bless all of you.
Mike Rohrer
Friday, December 30, 2022
Prayers for the Dunaway Family
RoxeAnn Rohrer
Friday, December 30, 2022
What a beautifully written tribute to your Dad. So much more personal and meaningful than a traditional obituary. I am so sorry for your loss, and will be praying for all of you.
Robyn Best
Friday, December 30, 2022
To know this family is to love this family. Our hearts goe out to all and we will continue to speak the Dunaway name daily. Gone but definitely never forgotten.
Oh what stories will be told in heaven,until we meet again.
Heidi Paton
Friday, December 30, 2022
I'm so very sorry for your loss! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Heidi Paton
Friday, December 30, 2022
I'm so very sorry for your loss! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan Nieters
Friday, December 30, 2022
SHARPE WELL DONE LOVE THAT YOU HAVE THE STORYS TO PASS YOUR DAYS Prayers to you and yur Family.
Angie Chaney
Friday, December 30, 2022
My prayers for you. I only met him once but boy did he make an impression
Robyn and Andy Sellwood
Friday, December 30, 2022
Sharpe and family …. We’re so sorry about the passing of your father… find peace in knowing he had to be so very proud of each and everyone one of you… special people!! Prayers for all 🙏❤️
Steve Robertson
Friday, December 30, 2022
So sorry my friend, keep your head up
Jan Gruen
Friday, December 30, 2022
I didn’t know your father or any other member of your family. But I loved the obituary you wrote for him. My husband passed 4-1/2 years ago & I tried to write an honest obituary but none of his humor came thru. I guess because I’m not the funny one in the family. But love is a wonderful memory no matter how it’s expressed.