Walter Gene Dunnivan

Walter Gene Dunnivan went to be with Jesus, his Savior, on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024. He was 74 years old. He fought a hard and courageous battle with cancer, and though the family and friends he leaves behind are grieving his loss on earth, we rejoice at his great victory and gain in Heaven.

Gene was born on January 30, 1950, in Madison, VA, the firstborn of his late parents, Gilbert and Virginia Dunnivan. He was a faithful big brother to Roger, Karen, and Randall, and probably a bossy one at times, as well. Gene spent his childhood working and playing hard. Farm work and helping with the family welding business taught him to take pride in working hard for others, which he did throughout his entire life.

Gene was blessed with a large family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Teresa. Also surviving are his eight children: Denna Sawyer (David), Kristi Birckhead (Harold), Keith Dunnivan (Elaine), Julia Harris (Chris), Harleigh Adair (Dan), Lisa Dunnivan (Jason), Jon Dunnivan, and Katie Griffith (Greg). In addition, Gene is survived by 21 beloved grandchildren: Jacob, Ellie, Michael, Dakotah, Molly, Mitchell, Preston, Sasha, Carter, Krista, Jonathan, Mikey, Benson, Calvin, Brayden, Cora, Daniel, Addie, Jordy, Waylon, and Lainey (who will be born any day now).

Gene treasured his extended family and friends and was thankful for all the prayers, phone calls, visits, and support he and Teresa received over the years and especially during the past months.

We are thankful for Gene’s life and gifts and talents. His ability to fix things that were broken blessed so many people (and his sister forgave him for all the early practice on her toys when he was still learning how to put back together the things he had taken apart without her permission). Gene enjoyed setting aside the instructions and carefully examining whatever needed to be assembled, or taken apart and repaired and reassembled, figuring it out on his own like a puzzle. He applied this method to cars, construction, communication equipment, small engines, and just about anything, with amazing success. Before retiring, Gene worked in the field of telecommunications, troubleshooting and resolving issues for customers, mostly over the phone, by employing that ability to analyze and solve problems. After retiring, he continued to use his skills to repair small engines in various pieces of equipment for friends and neighbors.

Gene rejoiced in God’s creation- from the vast mystery of the oceans to the majestic heights of the mountains- and also in God's creatures, from the antics of the wildlife in his yard (he welcomed every squirrel and deer that his neighbors attempted to ban from their properties), to his cherished little canine companion, Boo.

The family would like to thank everyone on Gene’s medical team who advised and helped him fight his battle over the past two years. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 9th, at 2:00 at Fairview Baptist Church, 1893 Wolftown-Hood Road, Graves Mill, VA 22727.

Services Entrusted to White Funeral & Cremation Service, Bolivia Chapel.