"I have come to the end of my life and remained faithful. Like Paul, I have finished my race well."

Elder Theartis Dunlap, aka "Theo" and "Smookie", answered the Lord's call to "come home." He was born to the late Zachariah Buie and Geneva Dunlap in Winston-Salem, NC.

He attended the public schools in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County and worked at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co., Brenner Steel, Douglas Battery and subsequently worked and retired from Johnson Control after 34 years of service.

Theartis loved playing golf and pickleball. He was a supporter and fan of WSSU football, Dallas Cowboys football, and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill basketball teams.

Mr. Dunlap was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Terrance "T-Roe" Blackwell; and his brother, Ronald Dunlap.

Survivors include his loving wife, Bernice Dunlap; two sons, Keith (Rosalyn) Dunlap and Anthony (Allison) Shore; a daughter, Trina (Sean) Dunlap-Sampson; stepdaughter, Teresa (Chauncey) Brown; 4 grandchildren, Kerry Dunlap, Kayla Dunlap, Aleah Sampson, and Asia Haney; two-step grands, Dr. Alexis (Cameron) Campbell and Madison Brown; one great-granddaughter, Kinsley Haney; two step great- grands, Alex Brown and Naomi Brown; one sister, Minister Claudette (Dean) Reynolds; two brothers, Elder Hilton (Lilly) Stone and Elder Carl (Marilyn) Dunlap; several nieces, nephews, and many other extended family members and friends.

In 1977, Mr. Dunlap decided to follow Jesus as Lord. After giving his life to the Lord, he joined the Fellowship Holiness Church under the pastoral ship of the late Rev. Terra Hammonds. Mr. Dunlap later joined Mt. Sinai Glorious Church of God and became a Deacon under the leadership of Bishop John L. Hines. In 1999, Theartis also received his certificate of Ordination for Elder from Bishop Sheldon M. McCarter at GCACC.

The hymns he sang with his deep vibrating voice, especially "When I've Done the Best that I Can," captivated, comforted, and inspired those in the church services he attended. Theartis spoke and preached about the Lord with conviction, and he was known for his compassion towards the sick, visiting and praying for them whenever possible.

Before his death, Mr. Dunlap was a faithful member of the New Canaan Society (NCS) Ministry and WSFirst Church of Winston-Salem, NC.

Theartis was a man after God's own heart who had lived a life of diverse experiences. In just three words, we can describe him as nothing less than extraordinary.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, December 6, 2024 at Winston-Salem First with Pastor Allen Griffin officiating.  Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.