Samuel Grady Dunaway, Jr.

Samuel Grady Dunaway Jr., age 69, of Stonecrest (formerly Lithonia), GA passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023. Sam was born February 17, 1954 in Winder, GA to parents Samuel Grady Dunaway, Sr. and Edith Ruth (Callaway) Dunaway. After graduating from Winder-Barrow High School, Sam enrolled in Brenau University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Music. He then worked for Six Flags over Georgia for eight years (which included a one year stop in Texas). Sam then served as the Musical Director for Philadelphia Baptist Church in Stonecrest (Lithonia). He then went to Park Place Baptist Church in Snellville for the next five years. Sam had a passion and talent for music. When he was 24, he won the "Stairway to Stardom" competition and that took him to the nationally syndicated Dinah Shore Show. Sam also produced musical shows for the Highlands Playhouse. Sam lived life to the fullest. He had a smile for everyone he knew. He was uplifting to those around him and he will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit. Sam loved antique cars and the pinnacles of his collection were his 1931 Model A Ford and 1929 Roadster, both fully restored to mint condition.

Sam is preceded in passing by his parents, Samuel Grady Dunaway, Sr. and Edith Ruth (Callaway) Dunaway.

Sam is survived by his sister, Janice Ward; her husband Michael Ward; niece, Erin Latif and her husband, Rhadi; their children, Nicholas Holsten and Sofia Latif; nephew, Creighton Zodrow, his wife, Capri; and their children Cayden and Camden Zodrow.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 755 Atlanta Hwy SE, Winder on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM The Memorial Service will follow in the Chapel at 12:00 PM with Rev. Rodney Queen officiating.