Donald (Donny) Nelson Dunlap, Jr., 52, of Alkol, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at CAMC General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Charleston on November 25, 1973, to the late Donald (Coco) Nelson Dunlap and the late Nancy Dunlap Smith, and raised in McCorkle by his late grandparents, Papaw Donald and Mamaw Betty Dunlap.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his stepdad, Ronnie Smith; maternal grandparents, Hassell and Virginia Smith; and uncle, Jackie Dunlap.

Donny is survived by his wife, Melody McClure Dunlap; their four children, Payton Miller and husband Reece, Lakynn and husband Jeffrey Walkup, Brayden and wife Shellie, and Braxton; and their five grandchildren, Rowan, Berkley, Delaney, Preslyn, and Brynn.

He is also survived by his brother, Chris and wife Stephanie; his mother-in-law, Barbara Ann McClure; father-in-law and stepmother-in-law, Buddy and Abby McClure; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Marty and Dawn McClure, and Melissa and Jamie Parker; special aunt, Charlene Dunlap; special cousins, Paula Matthews and Jason Dunlap; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A proud 1992 graduate of Duval High School, Donny often recalled his time as a Duval Yellowjacket and his pride in wearing #55 on the 1990 State Football Championship team. He answered the call to serve his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany for two years. Blessed with a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humor, Donny had a unique ability to crack a joke at exactly the right time and fill a room with laughter.

Donny gave his life to God and was baptized at the age of 20. Especially in his earlier years, he loved hunting and being in the woods. He had a passion for buying old vehicles and fixing them up, particularly ‘79 Fords. Throughout his life, he worked as a logger, strip miner, equipment operator, mechanic, construction worker, and in various other jobs. He was a jack-of-all-trades.

Known for his kind heart, big hugs, and huge grin, Donny never hesitated to lend a helping hand, expecting nothing in return. A local hero, he helped save the lives of a drowning woman and two women in a burning house, a testament to his selflessness and unwavering desire to help others in need.

Above all, he adored and cherished his children and his grandchildren. Nothing brought him greater joy or made him prouder.

Service will be 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 17, 2026, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek. Burial will follow at the McClure Family Cemetery, Alkol. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Curry Funeral Home to help cover funeral expenses.