Fredric Dunbar

Fredric Alan Dunbar, 92, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, in Greensboro, NC. Born into the farming lifestyle in central Indiana, Fred was the middle child of five which included two brothers and “bookend” sisters. After attending Wabash College for one year, he entered the Naval Academy, joining his elder brother James; their younger brother Richard enrolled the following year, marking a rare instance of three brothers attending the prestigious Annapolis institution simultaneously.

Fred’s choice to become a Naval aviator proved pivotal in shaping his career and life. After completing flight training in Pensacola, he was stationed in California and asked his ‘girl’ back in Indiana, Joan McClaskey, to join him. Eager to begin their new life together, Joan packed her belongings and set out for the west coast. They married and, by 1961, had welcomed children Karen, David, and Douglas.

Advancing to the rank of Commander, Fred served lengthy deployments at sea and regularly piloted F-4 Phantom fighter jets from aircraft carriers including the Ticonderoga, Forrestal, Constellation, and Oriskany. His distinguished service earned him three Bronze Stars along with multiple other commendations. During a flight training mission while enrolled at the Naval Postgraduate School, he was forced to eject from his jet after a mechanical failure. Fred retired from active duty in 1979 and subsequently consulted for Navy-related firms for over a decade.

Fred loved sports and was quick to jump at the opportunity to build a retirement home in a new golfing community near Fredericksburg, VA. He and Joan would spend 25 years on the lake, enjoying its beauty and making lifelong friends. Whether golfing, bowling or couples bridge, Fred was a competitor like no other. He was even an ardent fan of the Dallas Cowboys while living outside Washington DC for all those years. Fred loved his sweets and was especially partial to chocolate covered cherries. In late 2022, Fred and Joan relocated to a senior living community in North Carolina.

Fred is survived by his wife Joan, of Greensboro, NC, son David and wife Jill of Belews Creek, NC, son Douglas and wife Susannah of Fairfax, VA, granddaughters Candice Stovall (Jonathan), Carleigh Wilson (Robert), Lesleigh Dunbar, grandson Parker Dunbar (Erika), nine great grandchildren, sister Deanna Duncan and brother Richard Dunbar, who sadly passed away the day after Fred.

Fred was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Dunbar, parents Roscoe and Helen Dunbar, sister Beth Morgan and brother James Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point is in charge of arrangements.