David Michael Dunham

David Michael Dunham of Mt. Pleasant passed away peacefully at his home on December 18, 2010, surrounded by loved ones.  He is survived by his wife, Ruth, his children, grandchildren, and great grandson.  He was David to some, Mike to most, "Ace" to his military comrades, Grandpa and Poppy to his grandchildren, and HERO to all! Born in St. Louis, MO. 11 September, 1924 to Margaret E. Palmer, (1897-1999) and Richard E. Dunham (1900 -1944). Raised on the family farm in Missouri with four brothers and one sister. In his distinguished 30 year military career, Mike graduated from West Point in 1947, was in the first class of pilots in the newly created U.S. Air Force, flew B-52's in SAC, served 2 tours in Vietnam, and commanded the SR-71 Blackhawk Project. In October of 1948 Mike married the love of his life, Ruth Healey ,in New Haven, CT. He describes her as a beautiful, loving and industrious woman, and after 62 years of a wonderful marriage attributes its success to saying "Yes, Dear!" often. In his 35 years in Mt. Pleasant, Mike played a lot of golf at Snee Farm, worked as a tax consultant, served as a substitute teacher, and worked as a golf ranger and starter at Dune's West . David Mike Dunham and his wife Ruth took great joy in delivering Meals on Wheels and are members of Hibben Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant where Mike treasured his friends in the Hibben Choir. Our family will be forever grateful to those friends and family who have known and loved our Daddy and who have held him in their thoughts and prayers. We were blessed to have his last days together to surround him and Mom with love and care in their own home. This was made possible through the kind and compassionate mission of Lutheran Hospice and their devoted staff. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to Lutheran Hospice of Charleston. A Memorial Service will be held at Hibben Methodist Church on December 29th at 11:00 and family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. "Ace" has been flown on eagles' wings to the arms of his loving Lord and flights of angels will sing him to his rest.