Donald Ray Dunham

DONALD RAY DUNHAM was born on May 17, 1953, in Garland, North Carolina. He was the eighth of twelve children born to Jimmie and Mary Lizzie Herring-Dunham, who both preceded him in death, along with his oldest brother Artis Dunham, Sister Mary Dunham-Buie, Sister Dorothy Dunham-Darrison, and sister in law, Shirley Hill-Dunham, Juanita Hayes-Dunham and beloved brothers-in-law, Deacon James Ponder, Merrill E. Robinson, Jr, Robert Winfield, Robert Flemmings, Manuel Thornton and Leroy Darrison. Donald and his family moved to Newburgh, New York in 1962 where he earned his high school diploma from Newburgh Free Academy in 1971. Some years later, he relocated to Bridgeport, Connecticut where he met the love of his life, Doreen P. Crawford-Dunham. During this time, Donald was employed at American Chain & Cable and Exxon Mobil Chemical until his retirement. Throughout their almost forty-nine years of marriage, Donald and Doreen shared a life filled with love, devotion, and dedication to both family and friends. Donald was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He especially enjoyed cooking for others and loved taking his boat out to fish whenever the weather permitted. His “specialties” included freshly-caught -cleaned and perfectly fried fish, collard greens, potato salad, deviled eggs, turkey that practically melted in your mouth “and of course,” his infamous chopped barbecue. Donald loved bringing the family together and creating joyful memories. He especially enjoyed spending time at amusement parks, where even the biggest roller coasters never seemed to scare him. His many nicknames reflected his fun-loving personality and included…” Fishman”, “Croc-o-Dile Don D” , Double D” and “Don Juan”. Donald was charismatic, humorous, and truly the life of every gathering. His laughter, storytelling, and joyful spirit made people naturally gravitate toward him and he leaves behind countless memories filled with love and laughter. He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen P Dunham of Bridgeport, Connecticut, one daughter, Tameka Monroe of Illinois, two beautiful granddaughters of Illinois, one loving grandson, Kevin (Mel) Autry of North Carolina, twelve great-grandchildren in Illinois and North Carolina, and one special great-granddaughter, Carmelyn Autry of Connecticut. Also cherishing his memory are his siblings, Bobby (Diane) Dunham, Shirley (Camille) Batiste, and Weldon (Patricia) Dunham, all of Evans, Georgia. Daisy Winfield-Ponder of Acworth, Georgia, Jesse Dunham, and Evangelist Carrie E Robinson of Newburgh, New York, Reverend Jerry (Sharon) Dunham of Las Vegas, Nevada and Jacqueline Gregory of Baltimore, Maryland. He also leaves behind eight sisters-in-law, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Donald’s favorite saying was: “The key to the matter is” (to put it in his words) … THE KEY TO THE MATTER IS, WE MISS YOU ALREADY. RIP.

Donald Ray Dunham

May 17, 1953 - May 7, 2026