TITLE: In memory of the Reverend Bryan Dunagan of Dallas.

SUMMARY: In memory of the Reverend Bryan Dunagan of Dallas.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, A life made rich through meaningful service drew to a close with the passing of the Reverend Bryan Dunagan of Dallas on October 26, 2023, at the age of 44; and WHEREAS, The son of Deborah and Michael Dunagan, Bryan Dunagan was born in Dallas on September 21, 1979; he moved to Houston during middle school and earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Stanford University, where he was active in campus ministries and played lacrosse; he went on to earn a master of divinity degree from Regent College and a doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary; he served congregations in California, Washington State, and Houston before becoming a teaching pastor at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, where he expanded youth outreach and increased attendance; and WHEREAS, Reverend Dunagan was installed as senior pastor of Highland Park Presbyterian Church in 2014, at the age of 34; he guided the congregation through a denominational change, a major building campaign, and the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic; in addition, he led the planting of three local churches, Peak Street Church, Grace Church Lake Highlands, and Good Shepherd Oak Cliff; a gifted scholar and communicator with a self-deprecating sense of humor, he was able to distill his wide-ranging theological scholarship for a general audience, sometimes incorporating relevant pop culture references; under his leadership, the church experienced record growth; and WHEREAS, In 2008, Reverend Dunagan married the former Alison Wheeler; he championed her passion for global missions and they shared their faith with people from Cuba and the Dominican Republic to Kenya, Pakistan, and Turkey; the devoted couple was blessed with three children, Annie, Wheeler, and Collier Jane; Reverend Dunagan instilled in them a love of the great outdoors and enjoyed coaching his son in lacrosse and cheering for his daughters at their athletic events; and WHEREAS, Bryan Dunagan touched countless lives through his warmth, kindness, and compassion, and although his loss is difficult to bear, he will forever be a source of inspiration to all who were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature, 4th Called Session, hereby pay tribute to the life of the Reverend Bryan Dunagan and extend sincere sympathy to the members of his family: to his wife, Ali Dunagan; to his children, Annie, Wheeler, and Collier Jane Dunagan; to his father, Michael Dunagan; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Bryan Dunagan. Meyer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 6 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on November 17, 2023. Chief Clerk of the House