MEMPHIS, Tenn., - Sept. 11, 2021 - The Ducks Unlimited (DU) family is saddened to learn of the passing of William B. Dunavant Jr., Ducks Unlimited major sponsor, Wetlands America Trust Emeritus board member, and instrumental force behind DU national headquarters relocating to and residing in Memphis.

"Mr. Dunavant is a conservation icon, legendary for his business acumen and dedication to leaving the world a better place," said DU CEO Adam Putnam. "Mr. Dunavant's philanthropic spirit and civic passion led the effort to bring DU National Headquarters to Memphis in the early '90s. His leadership and vision ensure a conservation legacy that will outlast us all."

"I have hunted, fished, and played tennis with Billy for 40 plus years," longtime DU volunteer and current First Vice President Chuck Smith said. "I have never known a more fierce, focused, and competitive man. Billy Dunavant was always a gentleman. Billy was passionate about everything he touched, beginning with his family. He was a DU guy through and through; his passion for DU and the city of Memphis perfectly positioned him as the leader in relocating DU's national headquarters to Memphis. His legacy will continue for decades."

Mr. Dunavant's passing is a profound loss to countless people, including his extended family at Ducks Unlimited. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team, and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Dunavant's family.

About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

 

Media Contact:

Matt Coffey

(843) 263-7445

mcoffey@ducks.org

@DUNews1937