Howard Yates "Sonny" Dunaway, Jr.
August 4, 2022
Howard Yates “Sonny” Dunaway, Jr., died August 4, 2022, two days after his 100th birthday. He spent the final days of his long and happy life surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.
Sonny was born in Charlotte on August 2, 1922, to H.Y. Dunaway, Sr., and Marie Kemp Dunaway. He was very close to his siblings, younger brother Kemp and older sister Peggy.
As a boy, Sonny came to love music—no doubt influenced by his mother and his uncle, Hal Kemp. Some of his most cherished childhood memories were from traveling with Uncle Hal, one of America’s most popular Big Band leaders in the 1930s, to performances up and down the east coast. Sonny’s love of music led him to the piano, drums and violin, and his mastery of the latter earned him a spot in the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the age of 16. Music remained an important part of his life, and at most family gatherings he could be found sitting side-by-side on the piano bench with one of his grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
After graduating from Charlotte’s Central High School, he attended the Citadel for one year before transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill, where his plans were soon put on hold in order to answer the call of his country in World War II. Sonny served in the South Pacific in the 5th Air Force, spending 30 months in the Pacific theater. It was an experience that inspired him to live an honorable life and to teach others to appreciate our freedoms.
Sonny returned to UNC in 1946 and was a proud member and president of his beloved Beta Theta Pi fraternity. It was during this time that two of his greatest loves developed: One to Sue Geitner, of Hickory, and the other to the Tar Heels. Sonny and Sue married in 1950 and made their home in Charlotte, where Sonny joined his father, HY Dunaway, Sr., and brother, Kemp, in the real estate business. He spent the next 50 plus years at HY Dunaway Co., working alongside family and friends in his childhood home on East Morehead Street, now The Pink House.
Sonny’s greatest legacy is the tight-knit family that he and Sue built over their 72-year marriage. He leaves behind his beloved Sue, five children, 17 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. “Da” as he is lovingly called, did his best to keep up with all of their whereabouts and accomplishments, and was a loving and committed husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Sonny and Sue’s caregivers became part of the family in the final chapter of his life, and the family is forever grateful for their kindness and compassion.
Those who knew him will carry with them the stories and jokes that entertained so many over the past 100 years. From his adventures on the golf course at Charlotte Country Club and beyond, to his time serving in the Pacific during WWII; from Charlotte history to Tar Heel lore, there was never a dull moment or lack of laughter in Sonny’s presence. Always willing to help his fellow man, Sonny touched many lives.
Sonny will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his surviving family.
At Sonny’s request, there will be a private service for the family to celebrate his life. The family invites friends to join them at 11:00 AM on Monday August 15, 2022, online at https://myersparkpres.org/funerals/
Memorials may be sent to Carolina Breast Friends c/o The Pink House, 1607 East Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28207
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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I had the privilege of working for Sonny and Kemp Dunaway for two years beginning in 1972 in their office located on Fourth Street before moving to the family home on Morehead Street. Sue was there along with Helen Adams and Helen Newman, all of whom were wonderful people to be around and to work with. Yates certainly gave a warm and accurate portrayal of Sonny who was indeed one of the nicest men I’ve ever met. I was fortunate to speak with him by phone during his last year and his kind comments reminded me of his gentle nature. The church service was moving, and Sonny will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Richard Hechenbleikner -
"Uncle Sonny" and "Aunt Sue" lived next door to my family on Maryland Avenue before Doug and I were in kindergarten. Their home was always such a happy place. My parents told me so many wonderful stories about Sonny & Sue. Sometimes when I was home from college, I would visit them and they would regale me with stories about the fun times they had enjoyed with my parents. As my sister said, “they were always so good to us.” They are such good people. Having great parents and a good family is truly a blessing.
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Kemp, keeping you and your family in my prayers.
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Yates....please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I wish we could have gotten to know him better. Bill and Betty Griffin
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To all the Dunaways,
My deepest condolences on Sonny's passing. He was a great man and it was a privilege to to know and be around him. His kindness and joyful attitude were infectious and I always enjoyed listening to his stories and being in his presence. All of you were fortunate beyond words to have him as a father, grandfather, great grand father or father-in- law. Heaven is now a much better place with his presence.
Bob Beatty -
What a wonderful man. I only knew Sonny for about 8 years or so. But we became fast friends. He is the genuine deal. Such a lovely person and generous to a fault. Once he had invited me to lunch, but I was out of town and got a message on my phone. When I called him back, he said he had hurt his back and couldn't go to lunch. I asked him how and he said he did it while on the driving range. He was in his early '90s at the time!!! He adored his family and many friends. If you knew him you would love him. RIP my good friend.
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