Leon “Shorty” Dunaway, 86, of Liberty, passed away on September 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. One of four children, Leon was born on March 17, 1938 in Irvin, Ky. to the late Earl and Viola (Kirby) Dunaway. On May 26, 1962, he married the love of his life and mother of his children, Georgia Kathleen Dunaway. They shared 61 years of marriage until her passing on January 20, 2024.

Shorty had been a member of Morning Sun Southern Baptist Church for many years. In his earlier years, he worked at Kitchel elevators and eventually went to Liberty Mills where he dedicated 38 years of service.

Shorty never met a stranger. He loved to be around people socializing. He looked forward to the Union County Fair every year as well as his meetings at the Liberty Restaurant with the “Liars Club.” When he wasn’t out and about, he spent many hours tending to his garden.

Shorty will be greatly missed by his daughters, Debra Alvis and Janice Brown; brothers, Bob (Sally) Dunaway and Don (Sandy) Dunaway; a sister, Sonya Dunaway; uncle, Marshall Kirby; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins; and friends, Barney (Sandra) Barnes and Gary (Daphne) McCarty.

In addition to his parents, Shorty is preceded in death by his sons-in-law, Rick Potters, Randy Alvis, Tommy Carpenter, and Rex Brown.

Shorty’s daughters would like to send a special thank you to Jason Dawson and family, as well as the Reid hospice team.

Visitation for Shorty will be held on September 26, 2024 from 3pm until 7pm at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow at 7pm.

Paid obituary.