Brother Willie James Dunkins

Brother Willie James Dunkins was born on May 27, 1944, in Bethany, Louisiana, to the late Porter Dunkins and Mamie Jernigan Dunkins. He was the youngest of seven children and grew up surrounded by the love and guidance of a close-knit family.  At an early age, he professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Boggy Baptist Church in Bethany, Louisiana. His faith remained central to his life, and he later reaffirmed his commitment to Christ by being baptized again as an adult at Ewing Avenue Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas.

Bro. Dunkins received his education in Greenwood and Shreveport, Louisiana, and graduated from Bethune High School in Shreveport. He went on to serve his country with honor as a United States Army veteran during the Vietnam Era.

In a love story that began in the sixth grade, he was united in holy matrimony to the late Doris Marie Hayes Dunkins. Their beautiful union spanned over 35 years and was blessed with three children. Doris preceded him in death in 2001, but their enduring love remained a guiding light in his life.

With a strong work ethic and a dependable spirit, Bro. Dunkins built a 30-year career as a professional truck driver, working for respected companies such as TOX, Yellow Freight, and Consolidated Freightways. After retiring from trucking, he continued to serve his community by driving school buses for Dallas County Schools—a role he treasured, as he deeply loved children and valued every opportunity to positively impact young lives.

A devoted man of faith, Bro. Dunkins was a proud and active member of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a Deacon, Trustee, and longtime member of the Male Chorus. His life was a true reflection of service, humility, and steadfast belief.

In retirement, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family. Even as his health declined beginning in 2021, he would proudly say that his family remained his top priority. He was a loving father, a doting grandfather, a caring uncle, a loyal friend, and a steady presence in the lives of those around him.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Dorothy Johnson Harris, Sam Johnson, Henry Dunkins, Geraldine Dunkins Deramus, Lucille Dunkins Lewis, and Porter Dunkins, Jr., as well as two beloved nephews who were like brothers to him—James Allen and James Lewis—together affectionately known as the "Three Amigos."

On April 22, 2025, Brother Willie James Dunkins peacefully transitioned from this life in Dallas, Texas. He leaves to cherish his memory three devoted children: Patrick Dunkins of Red Oak, Texas; Kimberly Dunkins of Dallas, Texas; and Willli DeAnn (Romond) Dunkins Lax of Garland, Texas. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Shelby Dunkins, Marcus Dunkins, Jonathan Lax, Naomi Lax, and Treci McDaniels Lax; and his precious great-granddaughter, June J. Dunkins Floyd.   Also mourning his passing and celebrating his life are a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and countless friends.

Brother Willie James Dunkins lived a life marked by faith, love, hard work, and devotion. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
"Well done, good and faithful