Luther McKinley Dunford, 83, went to be with our Lord in heaven on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Born in Jewell Ridge, VA, he had been a Hampton resident for over 56 years and a member of Victory Baptist Church since 1966.

He was a radio operator for the Marines during the Korean War, he also served four years (1956-60) in the Air Force as a flight line mechanic. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1995 after working for 33 years as a Burner in the X15 department. He was also a registered barber.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Judy Darlene Dunford, parents, Rufus and Mamie Dunford, brothers, Carlis Otto, Bobby, and Jimmy Dunford, and his sisters, Dorothy and Stella. Survivors include his sons, Joseph and wife, Julie, Michael, and Mark and wife, Tina; daughters, Donna Kelly and husband, Thomas, Myra Dunford Green, Susan Campbell and husband, David, and Margie Griffin and husband, Eddie; his brothers, Fred and wife, Louise, David and wife, Linda, and Anthony and wife, Teresa; his sisters, Christine, Carol, Peg and husband, Boyd. Also surviving are twelve grandchildren, John Simpkins, Jr., Glenn Anderson, Jason and Christopher Green, Ashlie and Justin Campbell, Lauren Thomas, and Megan and Madison Dunford, McKenzie Dunford, and Sarah and Logan Griffin; and three great-grandchildren, Jackson Thomas, Lillian Green, and Alyssa Anderson.

Luther was proud of his military service, enjoyed honing his craft in the shipyard, and made many friends in the backyard working on lawnmowers. Some of his fondest days were at family cookouts. He took great pride in providing for his family.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 10, 2017 in the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home chapel. Interment with Marine honors will follow at Peninsula Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Phoebus Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 3505, Hampton, VA23663-0505.