Wayne Theodore Dunlap

Wayne Theodore Dunlap, age 80, passed away on June 30th, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children at his home in Woodbury after a lengthy decline from a progressive neurodegenerative disease. He was born July 15th, 1945, to Edna and Harold Dunlap of West Orange, New Jersey. 

Wayne married Retta Davis on September 3rd, 1977; they spent 48 years together and were blessed with four wonderful children. 

Wayne worked hard all his life. His father said of him, “Wayne is good at complicated things and horrible messes.” Highly skilled with all things mechanical, he used this gift to help others by fixing everything from lawnmowers to well pumps—no matter the time or how unpleasant the task. Wayne entered the workforce in his teen years as a boat mechanic and eventually became a Master Electrician and Electrical Inspector for the State of Vermont, where he worked until retirement. Wayne’s greatest passions were his family and his work for Jesus as a minister of the churches of Christ, where he preached faithfully for 47 years. 

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Retta; his son John, his wife Kim, and their children Gavin, Rose, and Sophia; his daughter Elisabeth, her husband Shaun, and their children Moriah and Jackson; his son James and his wife Claire; his daughter Danielle and her partner Ezra; his cousins David Pruden and Jill Boyd; many nieces, nephews, dear family and friends; and his two adored Basset Hounds, Baxter and Buckley. He was predeceased by his mother and father, his sister Gail and her husband Jay, and his granddaughter Helena. 

Services will be held on August 8th, 2026, at 11 AM at the South Barre church of Christ, 548 Rt 14, South Barre, Vermont. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Vermont Right to Life. Please join us for a time of food and fellowship following the service to remember and celebrate Wayne and the immense impact he made on the lives of so many.

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