David Bartlett Dunlap, Sr.

David B. Dunlap, Captain U.S. Navy (Retired), 85, of Atlantic Beach, FL., passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1959, and served tours of duty in Heavy Attack Squadrons SEVEN and THIRTEEN. While an instructor of basic electronics at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Millington, Tennessee, Captain Dunlap was selected for participation in the Integration Program. Upon completion of Officer Candidate School, he was commissioned an Ensign in December 1964. Captain Dunlap is married to the former Barbara Louise Cunningham of Memphis, Tennessee.

Subsequent to commissioning, he served as Fire Control Officer in USS CONYNGHAM (DDG-17), Weapons Officer in USS JOHN KING (DDG-3), Executive Officer in USS TATTNALL (DDG-19) and commanded USS LUCE (DDG-38). He also served as Officer-in-Charge of a Fast Patrol Craft (PCF) in the Republic of Vietnam; as Chief Staff Officer on the Staff of Commander Destroyer Squadron TWELVE; and as Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategy and Tactics and Anti-Surface Warfare on the staff of the Commander U.S. SIXTY FLEET. Captain Dunlap served as Assistant Director for Training at the Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic; Deputy Head of the Electronics Systems Department of the Naval Surface Airfare Center; Assistant Chief of Staff for Instructional Standards, Academic Programs and Research and Training Appraisal on the staff of the Chief of Naval Technical Training in Millington, Tennessee; and Commanding Officer of the Combat Systems Technical Schools Command Mare Island, California. He is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Destroyer School, the Armed Forces Staff College and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School where he earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering. He is a designated Weapons Systems Acquisition Manager and a proven subspecialist in Electronic and Weapons Systems Acquisition Manager and a proven subspecialist in Electronic and Weapons Systems Engineering. He retired from active duty after thirty-two years of service.

Captain Dunlap’s decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal (two awards), the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (four awards).

Captain Dunlap is survived by his loving wife Barbara Dunlap, sister Clara Sue Miller, children; Bobbie Harley (Andy), Don Spencer, David Dunlap. Grandchildren; Charlotte Dunlap, Sarena Thompson, Rahn McLawhorn, Darrell McLawhorn and D.J. Spencer. Six great grandchildren. Sister-in-law Peggy Willhite, Brothers-in-law; Pete Cunningham (Rose) and John Morgan.

Captain Dunlap was predeceased by his parents Edward and Betty Dunlap, sister Sandra Morgan and daughter Sarah McLawhorn.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

A committal service will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.