Dunford Jr., James Edward

James Edward Dunford Jr., 69, of Powell’s Mountain near Rich Creek, Va., passed away Sunday, January 10, 2010, at his home. He was born in Giles County on November 1, 1940, and was the son of the late James Edward Dunford Sr. and Gray Violet Blankenship Conley. In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Faye Wilkinson; and a brother, Malcolm Ray Dunford. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he retired from the U.S. Department of Commerce with over 39 years civil service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was always dedicated to helping his family and neighbors. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Cecelia Kaye Lawrence Dunford, of Rich Creek; a daughter, Michelle Levredge and Jerry, of Elkton, Md.; a son, James Edward Dunford III and fiancee, Susan Sutherland, of Rich Creek; a granddaughter, Brittany Place; a great-granddaughter, Kaylin Conrad, both of Elkton, Md.; a brother, Garry Wayne Dunford, of Rising Sun, Md.; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many special friends. A private memorial service will be held at a future date at the Veterans Memorial Park in Narrows. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Veterans Memorial Park Committee, 129 Dill Street, Narrows, Va. 24124. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows. Online condolence messages to the family can be sent to www.riffes.com.