By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher | It was a proper and fitting way for the funeral for Rufus B. Dunnigan of Norcross to be conducted Saturday at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church.
The audience of church members and friends gave homage to a man who his entire 88 years had known Hopewell Baptist Church, his joining the church at age 6. He had been a solid stalwart of the church all his adult years. And just as Rufus Dunnigan appeared in public and at home in a proper and dignified way, so this service was just that. He would have been proud of the way it was conducted, and humbled to know that so many attended to honor his memory.
He was born December 14, 1929 to Deacon Esters Dunnigan and Annie Trimble Dunnigan. He was raised in Norcross, attending the public schools of Gwinnett County, and graduated at nearby Chamblee High School in 1947.
When the Korean War broke out, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in March of 1951, and spent two years on active duty, before being transferred to the Army Reserve in 1953, then was honorably discharged in 1957.
Dunnigan
Something significant happened to him in 1955, when he met Barbara Hood of Doraville, and they were married. The couple had three sons, DeRick, Ronald and Donald.
Working to support his family Rufus Dunnigan was employed for over 40 years at Westvaco Company, as an warehouseman until his retirement. He also had part time jobs at the Big Apple grocery store, and later at Northside Baptist Church.
Early in life he learned to play the piano. His favorite hymn was by Charles Wesley, A Charge to Keep I Have. Many remember being in his presence when he played, often for the children. People, especially remember him often baking pound cakes, and giving them to others. He would show up on many occasions with his cakes, which he made the old-fashioned way, from scratch. People say his cakes were delicious. He also enjoyed gardening especially in retirement , and preparing Sunday dinner for his family and anyone who came by his home.
People of Hopewell remember him as a deacon and clerk of the church for over 30 years, to his dying day. He was a member when it was the small Rock Church prior to the 1980s. Later it became the massive City of Hope congregation led by an especially spirited minister, William Sheals. Mr. Dunnigan was named an elder of the church. He had served in all the lay duties of the church, Sunday School teacher, musician, and minister of music. He was also a leader of a Boy Scout troop.
Through all this, Rufus Dunnigan was a quiet, tall and slim man who did not seek the spotlight, but was a mighty fortress behind the scenes of the success of his church, and of other churches. He always presented himself with dignity and graciousness, glad to meet and talk with people. We need more people like him.
Rufus Bernard Dunnigan, 1929-2018: May you rest in peace.
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