Curley Ronald Dunlap

Curley Dunlap, 86, passed away peacefully in Orlando, Florida, leaving behind a life marked by faith, service, and discipline. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Frances Irene Dunlap, and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Over the course of his life, Curley lived in several places, including California, before eventually moving to Puerto Rico, where he met his wife, Candace Dunlap. Together they welcomed their youngest son, Joshua, June of 1987. Curley and his wife and youngest son, Josh, moved to Orlando in the mid 90’s, which he called home til his last day on Earth. Curley proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and carried the values of discipline, humility, and perseverance throughout his life. He was honorably discharged after his time serving at the 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, in San Diego, California. A Christian man and strong believer in Jesus, he was active in church and committed to living out his faith through service and community. He was a active Bible reader, with markings, notes and highlights all throughout his Bible and he also watched Christian programming on a daily basis, including Jesse Duplantis, Jerry Savelle, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, John Hagee and Oral and Richard Roberts. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied history and developed a lifelong passion for the subject. Curley was a true history buff who enjoyed learning and discussing the past and often reflected on how historical events shape and influence the world we live in today. Throughout much of his life, Curley was known as someone who did not seek the spotlight. He was comfortable working in the background, a trait shaped by his military training and values of service, discipline, and letting the mission come before recognition. Curley never met a stranger as he always engaged in conversation with people from all walks of life, always having an encouraging word bathed in the word of God. Curley had an entrepreneurial spirit and for many years spent time in Puerto Rico selling shirts on the beach. Later in life, he served his community as a school crossing guard, a role he carried out with dedication to protecting young kids as they journeyed to and from school. He also spent many years coaching basketball in middle and high school junior magic leagues and church leagues. Known as a tough-nosed and passionate teacher of the game, always emphasizing the importance of the fundamentals and communication, Curley led his teams to numerous championships and left a lasting impression on the many young players he mentored. He also enjoyed playing chess and was known for challenging others to think two or three moves ahead often reminding them that life, much like chess, requires careful thought and strategy. He is survived by his wife, Candace and four children: Kristin Dunlap, Eric Dunlap, Derek Kerner, and Joshua Dunlap. Curley will be remembered for his faith, steady presence, and the many roles he carried throughout his life as a Marine, coach, entrepreneur, student of history, and member of his community. He famously would always say this quote and even had it designed on t-shirts he created and printed that read, “It’s not about you, it’s not about me, it’s all about Him, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” His life touched many, and his memory will live on in those who knew him. Semper Fidelis

Curley Ronald Dunlap

June 30, 1939 - December 28, 2025