Wesley Earl Dunkum, Jr.

Wesley Earl Dunkum, Jr., 93, of West Palm Beach, Florida, and formerly of the Curdsville community of Buckingham County, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  He was born at the family farm on May 13, 1928, a son of the late Wesley Earl Dunkum, Sr., and Alma Duncan Dunkum. 

Wesley was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He married Elizabeth Lee Burnette in 1964 and enjoyed 30 years of marriage with her until her death in 1995.  In 1999, he remarried. Wesley is survived by his wife, Rev. Jeane Dunkum, of Raphine, Virginia, with whom he shared 22 years.

Wesley is also survived by his two children, Wesley Earl "Wes" Dunkum, III, of Richmond, Virginia, and Betty Dunkum-Patten (David) of West Palm Beach, Florida; two stepchildren, Sarah Johnson Gibson (Darnell) of Scottsville, Virginia, and Eric Johnson (Harmony) of San Antonio, Texas; four grandchildren, Benjamin Patten, Micah Patten, Anna Patten, and Jonathan Patten; and four step-grandchildren, Dayce Johnson, “Ty” Martin, Kaitlyn Martin, and Kailee Martin.  Wesley was preceded in death by his sisters, Edith Dunkum Leap and Janet Dunkum Ayres. 

Wesley was the owner of Springfield Farm near Curdsville, which was established in 1875 by his grandparents Richard and Sarah Dunkum.  At various points in his career, he raised and sold chickens and eggs, hogs, sheep, and cattle.

Wesley faithfully served his country, church, and community.  He was an infantryman in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957, stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. 

Wesley was a lifelong member of Smyrna United Methodist Church in Sheppards, Virginia.  He served on the Smyrna church council for about 57 years, the third generation of his family to serve at the church.  He was chairman of the church council for about 20 years.

Wesley served as a member of the Peter Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors for 23 years.  He was chairman of the Board for about 10 years. Wesley was a member of the Buckingham County Farm Bureau for over 40 years and served in all offices of the Farm Bureau between 1965 and 1980.  He was one of the original members of the Buckingham Cattleman’s Association when it was formed in 1978 and later served as President of the Association.  Wesley served as President of the Piedmont Pork Producers Association in the 1980s.  He was a founding member of the South-Central Feeder Pig Association and a charter member of the Curdsville Grange. 

Most importantly, Wesley trusted in the faith of Jesus Christ for his salvation.  Galatians 2:15 (YLT)

A celebration of life service with the Rev. John Speight officiating was held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Dunkum Funeral Home in Dillwyn, Virginia, followed by interment with military honors in the Smyrna United Methodist Church Cemetery.  A celebration of life service with Rev. Dr. Mary Craig officiating will be held in South Florida.

Memorial contributions may be made to Smyrna United Methodist Church; c/o Marie Adams, Treasurer; 726 Fender Road, Farmville, VA 23901.