In 2004, Frank Dennis Dunlap Jr. was ready for a change.

He had lived in Charlotte for several years working for the post office, but the increased city traffic was frustrating. He was ready for a transfer to a small town and chose Wadesboro, the home of an uncle, Elijah Cox.

That move was fortunate for Wadesboro. Dunlap became popular at the Wadesboro Post Office because of his upbeat personality and solid job skills.

“He knew the customers and their needs — and engaged everyone who came to his window,” Jim Boylin recalled.

Dunlap went out of his way to help customers with special problems. He called everyone by their names and usually knew their P.O. box number. Beverley Getzen said he had “the brightest smile in the community and was always joyous.” He had agreed to her invitation to join the Wadesboro Civitan Club.

Tragically, he died last month of natural causes at age 54, leaving disbelief from all who knew him.

Both of his parents were Anson County natives — Frank Dunlap Sr. of Ansonville, an army veteran, and Nannie Cox of Wadesboro — but the couple moved to Charlotte shortly after their marriage. Nannie Dunlap recently retired from a career working in cafeterias for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The Dunlap family included three boys and two girls. Frank, the oldest boy, graduated from Independence High School in 1980.

His next step was joining the U.S. Marines Corps and working as a helicopter mechanic, serving in California, Hawaii, and the country of Lebanon. He earned the Humanitarian Service Award. After returning home in 1984, he worked for the Charlotte post office for two decades, initially assigned to the airport night shift during 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. schedules, and then transferred to Wadesboro.

Dunlap loved sports, especially professional football and basketball. For the NFL, he first followed the Washington Redskins but embraced the Carolina Panthers when the team was organized. He attended the 2002 Super Bowl in New Orleans and saw the New England Patriots make a comeback to beat the St. Louis Rams. He enjoyed music and played gospel songs with his guitar for services at several churches in Anson County. He especially liked favorites from the 1970s, such as Parliament Funkadelic and Boosty Collins.

Dunlap was a practical person. When the postal workers once held a covered dish meal, he was kidded for bringing two cans of greens. For future food events, he always brought cups, plates, napkins, and drinks. He was also a dog lover.

Peggy Tillman spoke on behalf of Wadesboro post office staff at last Saturday’s funeral in Charlotte, concluding with, “Frank was a father who loved his two sons, a son who loved his mother, and a Dunlap family member who loved his family.”

A memorial service for Frank Dunlap will be scheduled soon at Leavitt Funeral Home.

For the Record The late Frank Dunlap holds an electric bass guitar. Dunlap played gospel music at several churches in the county.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Frank-Dunlap-guitar-fz.jpgFor the Record The late Frank Dunlap holds an electric bass guitar. Dunlap played gospel music at several churches in the county.

For the Record Frank Dunlap, a well-known postman for over 30 years, died late last month.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_Frank-Dunlap-post-office-fz.jpgFor the Record Frank Dunlap, a well-known postman for over 30 years, died late last month.

By Walter Turner

For the Record