Donald Milton Dunn

Donald “Donnie” Milton Dunn, 81, son of the late Joseph Dunn and Melvina Shepherd, passed away peacefully, Friday July 2nd 2021 at Shore Life Care, Parksley, Va.

Donnie was a 1958 graduate of Chincoteague High School earning the highest distinction of Valedictorian of his class.  Upon graduating he began working for his “adoptive family” at Salyer Funeral Home as a funeral assistant on Chincoteague Island under the guidance of William B. and Leone S. Salyer.  Donnie was like a son to them, like a brother to their daughter Connie and like an uncle to their grandchildren.  

Although Donnie was reserved and quiet, he would regale you on the history of the island and its people.  It was not unusual for Donnie to recall off the top of his head certain dates of people’s passing and also the person’s background of work and family.  Donnie held a vast knowledge of the generations of islanders.  With his passing also passes that wealth of knowledge that we all depended on in one way or another.

Donnie was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church and in his healthier days you could always find him in the church office folding bulletins or helping with some sort of task.  Donnie was always faithful in helping his neighbors on Church St by returning their trash cans every Monday once the truck had passed.  Donnie wanted no credit.  He only wanted to help in his quiet way.

Besides his parents Donnie was predeceased in death by his adoptive parents, William and Leone Salyer and his adoptive sister, Connie Salyer Bailey.

He is survived by his adoptive nieces, Tabitha Walker and her husband Scott, Lucinda Schaffer, Victoria Furness and her husband Steve and Amanda Betts and her husband Ricky along with a host of adoptive nieces and nephews; a special friend and caregiver, Rhonda Green.  As well as his dear friends Rev. Kevin Eely and his wife, Marsha.  Donnie will be missed by all but his special friend and eating partner Bo, his black lab, will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, July 7th, 2021 at 2:00pm at Union Baptist Church.

At Donnie’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Union Baptist Church, 6365 Church St, Chincoteague Island, VA 23336.  Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc. on Chincoteague Island, VA.  Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com.

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