Iaeger, WV - Ernest "Ray" Dunigan, a man of humble upbringing from Iaeger, WV, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after a sudden illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, bravery, resilience, humor, and honesty. Despite not having immense wealth or a fancy education, Ray was extremely wealthy in spirit and in the aspects of life that truly mattered.

Ray was deeply loved by his family and returned that love to everyone in his world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Riley and Pricie Vance Dunigan; his brothers, Clayton, Lonnie, Ronnie, Roy, Louie Dunigan; his in-laws, Leon and Mae Ernestine Martin; and his brother-in-law and friend, Larry Martin. Special best friends Don and Sheree Key.

He is survived by his sisters, Virginia Peggy Scott and Delena Vanover; his beloved wife of 38 years, Patsy Dunigan; his children, Missy Morgan and husband John, Dustin Dunigan and wife Mary, Timothy Toney and wife Eva, and Hollie Bragg; his grandchildren, Austin, Katie, and Ethan Morgan; Chloe and Liam Dunigan; Serenity Brooks, Martin and Gabe Toney; Makenzie, Zoey, and Dakota Bragg; Billy and Hannah Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Jameson and Olive Morgan, with Bentley Bo Ray Williams soon to make his arrival.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Everette and Susan Canterbury, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

His life was not always what some would call "easy"; and yet, he always had a joke on his lips and a smile on his face. Ray knew what was important. He knew he was loved, and for him that seemed to overpower any hardship that he endured.

When he and Patsy brought their two families together, the real magic began. This blended family shared many fond memories. They had 38 amazing years full of quality family time, fishing trips, and they attended school functions for the kids and grandkids. Family has always been the center of their world. He often looked upon his wife with a twinkle in his eye and said, "You are the love of my life", and Ray was also hers.

Ray loved his country and was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Special Forces, where he performed a very strategic role in the Vietnam War, bravely running a point dog ahead of his platoon, and often spoke fondly of his dog, Fritz. He mentioned many times how badly he wished he could have "taken Fritz with him."

His work ethic was admirable as he later worked underground as a scoop operator in the coal mines of southern WV. Despite being injured while underground, Ray's resilience and work ethic shone through as he continued to find ways to stay busy and help others.

Ray became a Christian in the late 1990s at the Shady Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church, where he was led to the Lord by his mother-in-law, Pastor Mae Ernestine Martin. He later became a cherished member of Beckley Praise Church, where he was loved and adored by many.

Known for his humor, Ray never failed to bring a smile to those around him. He enjoyed his daily trips to Wendy's, driving around in his truck, crossword puzzles, golf, and NASCAR. Ray was also known for his unwavering honesty, which often brought laughter to those around him.

Ray's life was rich in every way that truly mattered; there was something beautiful and innocent about how content he was engaging in the simple things in life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Services will be conducted at the Amos E. Quesenberry Peace Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, WV, on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., with Pastors Paul Chapman and Don Powers officiating. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum at Prosperity. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

Family members will serve as pallbearers.

Military graveside rites will be provided by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.

Arrangements are made by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home,1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.