Reverend Galen Franklin Dunbar peacefully entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and faith he cherished so deeply. Born on July 26, 1933, to William Othar and Irene Elizabeth Dunbar in Oswald, WV, Galen’s life was a remarkable testament to service, devotion, and love. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara June Hancock Dunbar, his parents, and sister, Louise Williams. Galen is lovingly remembered by daughter, Joyce (Doug) Little of Mt Juliet, TN; daughter, Rebecca Dunbar, of Cramerton, NC; and son, James (Euvon) Dunbar, of Russellville, AR; his grandchildren, Rachel Whittenburg (Mt Juliet, TN), Rebekah Dunbar (Russellville, AR), Joshua (Sarah) Dunbar (Oklahoma City, OK), Samuel Dunbar (Benton, AR), and great-grandson Grant Whittenburg (Mt Juliet, TN). Also surviving are his sister, Dorothy (David) Redden of Bradley, WV, many nieces and nephews, and friends around the world. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1951, Galen pursued his calling at Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a B.S. in Bible with a minor in missions. In May 1955, he married his beloved college sweetheart, Barbara June Hancock, and together, they embarked on a 70-year journey of love and ministry, faithfully serving in thirteen churches across the country. Galen’s pastoral journey began while working on the West Virginia Turnpike, serving the congregations at Price Hill and Kilsyth Free Will Baptist Churches. He continued his studies at Columbia Bible Institute while pastoring in Patrick, South Carolina, before moving his family to Grifton and then Beaufort, North Carolina. There, this West Virginia native became a deep-sea fisherman, embracing life’s adventures with joy. He was a skilled carpenter as well. Galen’s ministry took his family to many places—Hazel Park, Michigan; Norfolk, Virginia; Salina, Kansas; Glennville, Georgia; Timmonsville and Florence, South Carolina—each community blessed by his strong leadership, compassion, and unwavering faith. A tireless supporter of the Free Will Baptist movement, Galen helped build youth camps, supported missionaries, and traveled to Japan, Spain, France, and Russia on overseas trips, always eager to share the gospel with hope and kindness. Throughout his ministry he served in various roles in the Free Will Baptist ministries, notably the FWB Board of Foreign Missions (now IM, Inc.) and the Sunday School and Church Training Board (now D6 Family Ministry). Reverend Galen Franklin Dunbar leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His family and friends will forever cherish his wit, warmth, and the steadfast example he set. A committal service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5251 Robert C Byrd Dr, Beckley, WV 25801, with son-in-law Doug Little, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to the World Mission Offering of IM, Inc, or Welch College.
