Colonel Thomas Dunlap, Jr. (Usaf Ret.)

Colonel Thomas James Dunlap, Jr. (USAF Ret.), a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away December 26, 2021, at the age of 99. Colonel Dunlap was born in Birmingham, Alabama on June 13, 1922. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Dunlap and Christina Sanders Dunlap, sisters, Nellie Barnes, Jean Melbourne and Elizabeth Walker and a brother, Archie Dunlap.

Colonel Dunlap attended Auburn University until entering Aviation Cadet Training at the outbreak of World War II and graduating as a pilot. He was a veteran of World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. Colonel Dunlap participated in the Berlin Airlift when he flew as a pilot and helped direct aircraft control procedures in Berlin. A longtime member of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), Colonel Dunlap flew B-47 and B-52 aircraft as a combat crew commander as well as serving in various staff and command assignments.

Colonel Dunlap is survived by his wife of 78 years, Jane Vance Dunlap; his children, James V. Dunlap (Catherine), Thomas E. Dunlap, Steven A. Dunlap (Kathleen), E. Gayle Broadway (Michael), David S. Dunlap (Ludovina); grandchildren, Layla Dunlap, Steven Dunlap, Sarah Dunlap, Kelly Broadway, Robyn Roberts (Rob), and Affie Milesky (Andrew); great grandchildren, George Roberts and Lake Roberts; and several nieces and nephews.

Colonel Dunlap wanted to acknowledge his niece, Christina B. Frederick, for making every occasion special, and his doctor, Dr. Craig Rich, for providing such wonderful care during his years in Birmingham.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.