Robert gallantly battled Parkinson’s Disease for over a decade.
Robert was born in Olive Branch, Mississippi, to Leonard Dunlap and Julia Brewer Dunlap on February 19, 1933. He was the oldest of 13 children.
Upon his graduation from Olive Branch, MS high school in 1951 Robert signed a contract to play baseball for the New York Yankees as a left-handed pitcher. He went to Baton Rouge, LA for spring training to play with the single A Baton Rouge Red Sticks but soon came home to be with his family in North Mississippi.
Upon his return to the Memphis area Robert met his future wife, Sarah Ann Johnson. They were married on July 31, 1955.
Robert loved bluegrass music and played regularly for over 70 years including an appearance on the Grand Old Opry, and as part of the half time entertainment for the Liberty Bowl. He participated and frequently won or placed in bluegrass fiddle competitions around the great state of Tennessee. As he grew older he became interested in learning how to play the violin. Around age 70 he began taking music lessons as part of a desire to contribute more to the Faith Baptist Church orchestra.
Robert was employed by American Milk Producers Association Inc (AMPI) for 39 years and worked for the Catholic Diocese at St. Benedict school for 19 years where he retired in 2003.
Robert was survived by his beloved wife Sarah and his three children, Robert E. Dunlap, Jr. (Lynn), Tim Dunlap (Nicole), and Glenda Dunlap Norville (Cliff). There are six grandchildren: Emily Dunlap, Sam Norville (Kodie), Alex Norville, Tucker Dunlap, Matthew Childress (Jaime) and Kate Childress. He also left behind four great grandchildren.
Robert accepted Jesus as his Savior as a young child, and his love for Christ grew stronger as he became an adult. His strong Christian faith sustained him during his entire life. His Christian life was an example for his family and friends. He was an active member of Faith Baptist Church Bartlett.
Services are scheduled for Tuesday May 8th, at Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, with visitation from 11 am to 1pm and the funeral service at 1pm. Interment at Memphis Funeral Home Germantown Road after the service. The family has asked that memorials be made through Faith Baptist Church Bartlett.
