Tyrone Dunham

Sergeant First Class Tyrone Dunham (retired) was born on February 23, 1956 in Savannah, Georgia in the small all black community of Burroughs to loving parents, Guy Sr. and Katie Dunham, and reared by his maternal aunt, Bessie Boles. On Saturday, June 23, 2024, Tyrone answered God’s beckoning call to cease from his earthly labors and entered into the Master’s joy.

Tyrone accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was a faithful member of New Ogeechee Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Washington.

Tyrone completed his education at Tompkins High School, Savannah, Georgia. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974, He retired with over 22 years of service and receive and honorable discharge. SFC Tyrone Dunham’s military career was marked by disciplined adherence to duty, earning him respect and admiration from peers and superiors alike. During his exemplary service, he earned the following awards and decorations: Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Air Assault Badge. After returning home, he continued his life of service working for the U. S. Postal Service based in Nashville, Tennessee where he yet again was blessed to retire.

Beyond his service, he was a cornerstone of his family, embodying integrity and hard work, values he imparted to his children and grandchildren.

 Tyrone was united in holy matrimony December 19, 1987 to the love of his life Mary, and together they shared over 37 years of love and unity along with parenting which was a blessing. Tyrone was known for his sense of humor and ability to see the bright side of any situation. His presence at family gatherings, especially as the cherished “Grandpa”, will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered. He held a special place in the hearts of his nieces and nephews, serving as a role model and confidant. His life was a testament to the strength of character and the power of community and family bonds. Tyrone’s memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories and lives of those he touched.

Tyrone was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Katie Dunham; Bessie Bowles, sisters, Elnora G. King and Katie L. Dunham; and brother Guy Dunham Jr.

Those left to cherish his sweet memories are his loving wife, Mary L. Dunham, Clarksville, Tennessee; daughters, Markisha Dunham of Jacksonville, Florida, Tamika (Joseph) Tripple of Clarksville, Tennessee; and son, Roland J. Thomas, siblings Flossie Burgess, Ruby Riley, Mary Dunham, Susie (Earl) Law, and Harry Dunham of Savannah, Georgia, Laverne (Robert) Glynn of Atlanta, Georgia, David Hunter, Daryll Hunter, and Jeanette Dunham of Savannah, Georgia. His legacy continues through his nine grandchildren: Isaiah, Zakari Dunham of St. Augustine, Florida, Makeba and Tyrone Dunham of Jacksonville, Florida, Zoey Dunham, Zion, Zamira, Zariyah, Zamiyah, and Zaire Tripple of Clarksville, Tennessee.

Services for Mr. Dunham will be streamed on the Sylvania Funeral Home Website.