Following a brief hospitalization Phil embraced the promised eternal rest on June 26, 2022, just shy of his 97th birthday.Phil was preceded in death by his Sister Carlyn, and his beloved wife, Virginia, K. (Martin) Dunford, ("Ginny"), and a son, Daniel. He was the son of Carleton E. Dunford and Elizabeth "Betty" (Poulterer) Dunford of Miami, FL. He is survived by two sons, Rev. Philip A. "Skip" Dunford, Elizabethtown, KY; Timothy C. Dunford, Mandeville, LA; and a daughter, Kathryn E. "Kate" Dunford, Raleigh, NC. "PopPop" was much adored by Dunford Daughters-in-law, Lucy, Linda, and Robin, 6 grandchildren, 9 greatgrandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.While a 20-year-old Marine serving on the south-Pacific Island of Peleliu, Phil heard God's call to ministry. He returned from military service determined to be a good husband to his bride, Ginnie (a Marine herself!), and father to his first child, and to enter into studies leading to ordained Ministry in the Presbyterian Church. As the family grew, Phil finished his high school education, earned his BA from Presbyterian College (1950), and his Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary (1953). Later, he received his Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary (1976). Always dedicated to learning, Phil's continuing education took him to such places as Union Theological Seminary, Yale, St. Andrews (Scotland), and Durham University (England).In the lifelong calling following ordination in 1953, Phil served congregations in Georgia (West Point, Albany); Florida (Leesburg, Jacksonville); Colorado (Fort Collins); and North Carolina (Forest City). Along the way, he was an exchange Pastor in Paramatta, Australia. In retirement Phil also served in Interim Pastor roles in Long Creek, Dallas, Hendersonville, Shelby (Ryburn Memorial), and Columbus in North Carolina, and Pulpit Supply with Covenant Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC.Phil held to a belief that "Faith is not knowing what the future holds but knowing Who holds the future." With firm conviction that his life was secure in God's hands, he took on many roles in the communities in which he lived. He was voted "Man of the Year" for contributions he made in various communities, including Albany, GA; Leesburg, FL; and Forest City, NC. Phil served as the Interim Director of the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation. In 2008 he and Ginny received the prestigious Salvation Army "Others" Award. Over the years he volunteered to serve on many civic boards too numerous to mention. He continued to serve as a Pulpit Supply pastor until his death.His was the path of peace salted with justice and powered by his love for God and for others. Phil's many, many friends are encouraged to rejoice in his declaration "I am not going to die; I am leaving this body and going to live with the Lord."A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., August 27th, at Columbus Presbyterian Church, Columbus, NC.Gifts in his memory may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, SC, "Local Missions."
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