William Thomas Dunford

William Thomas Dunford was born at home in South Boston, Massachusetts the youngest child of Alice Powers and George Henry Dunford. At the tender age of thirteen years, Billy, as he was known to family, entered St. Johns Atonement Seminary in Montour Falls, New York. Following high school graduation, he studied Theology and Philosophy at the Friary in Saranac Lake. From 1960 to 1964, Bill continued his study of Theology at the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement Seminary in Washington, DC. Following his ordination in 1964, he served in New York, Brazil and Texas.

A resident of Jacksonville since 1971, Bill created another life path earning a Masters Degree in rehabilitation and working as a counselor for the State of Florida and non-profit sector, as Director of Clay County Alcoholism Council and Director of Travelers Aid Society. Bill and Anita retired in 2009 and enjoyed travelling, nature walks, family genealogy trips, Civil War history, letter writing to the editor of the local paper and time together at home and with family and friends.

In retirement Bill enthusiastically volunteered in the Clothing Ministry at DESC and as an assistant in the Chaplain's Office at Memorial Hospital. He was a Cursillista and served in Prison Ministry of Florida and Kairos. Bill was a member of the Sunday morning breakfast team, served as a visitor with the Shepherds Ministry, and was a Eucharistic Minister at All Saints. He was a part of the loosely organized volunteer group at Camp Weed, Bad Boys for Jesus.

Always an aspiring actor, Bill was happiest on stage with a mic. He enjoyed his ten years of fellowship with the Vintage Players, a senior theatre company.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, brother George (Sonny) and sisters Mary (Sister James Alice SCN), Theresa, Alice and Lucille. He was Uncle Billy to his loving Massachusetts nephews and nieces Paul, Mary Ann, Michael, Lucy, Patricia and Kathleen and families. Bill was the grandson of William Powers, Sgt. Co H 20th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry who was wounded in 1862 at Fredericksburg.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, Bill is survived by his wife, Anita Tiffany Dunford; daughter, Elizabeth Dunford Dussinger; son-in-law, Patrick and grandson, Sammy. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Melanie Bird and Marie Howell and her husband Marshall Howell, Jr; nephews, Marshall Howell III and Philip Howell (Lauren) and niece, Christy Bird Schell (Jason).

A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at All Saints Episcopal Church. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed live on YouTube at All Saints Jax.

In lieu of flowers, offerings may be made to All Saints or a charity of your choice.