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Dr. Billy Ray Dunn

Dr. Billy Ray Dunn, 85, of Harpers Ferry, died Friday, July 31 at his home after a short illness.

Born on October 9, 1934, in Vago, WV, he was the son of the late Norman and Mabel (Hughes) Dunn. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Dottie Miles and Jerry Dunn.

Dr. Dunn graduated from West Virginia University where he received both his Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees. His career as an educator began at Petersburg High School where he was a Vo-Ag teacher and Vice Principal. After a two year stay at Potomac State College, he moved to Shepherd College (now University) where he wore a variety of hats, from Sports Information Director to Chair of the Secondary Education department. While working at Shepherd, he earned his Doctorate in Education from Ball State University.

In 1980 he took a position at Marshall University and five years later changed gears and became Superintendent of Schools for Randolph County, WV. In 1990 he retired from West Virginia’s education system and moved to Marietta, Ohio where he was a professor at Marietta College. His years in Marietta were very special and he continued to stay in touch with many former students. In 2002 he retired and moved to Harpers Ferry. WV. At the time of his death, he and his wife owned and operated The Vintage Lady shop in downtown Harpers Ferry.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cindi Parsons Dunn, along with two daughters, Laura Rutherford of Owings Mills and Dr. Lisa Poland of Martinsburg, as well as a son Nicholas Boyles, of Buckhannon. He was the proud grandfather of Kelsey Rutherford and Gracie and Hannah Boyles. He is also survived by a brother, Lee Dunn and wife Peggy of Clifton Forge, VA.

Dr. Dunn donated his body to WVU Human Registry. A celebration of life will be held next year. Memorials may be made to his church, Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church, PO Box 1, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.