William Horace Dunn

William Horace Dunn, 91, departed this life for his home up above peacefully on Sunday, August 3, 2014. He was born on January 14, 1923, the youngest of 11 children, to the late William James Dunn and Lula Grizzard Dunn. Preceding hime in death were sisters, Emma D. Harrup, Willie D. Gilliam, Ann D. Riley, Frances D. Tyler, Ruby G. Williams and Bertha D. Drewry and brothers, Alton Dunn, Byron Dunn, Claude Dunn and Howard Dunn, Sr. Mr. Dunn was raised in Yale, Virginia which he called home until he later moved to Emporia due to his brother’s failing health and to be closer to medical facilities. He was a farmer for most of his life and loved working outdoors. He had a garden up until the age of 91 and worked it by himself. He loved to cook baked goods and was always sharing them with other people. He never married and had no children of his own but was loved by his many nieces and nephews. After serving in the United States Army during World War II in Italy, he came home and spent most of his life taking care of his parents and later looking after two of his sisters, his brother and a brother-in-law. He spent his last years as a resident of The Bloom Center in Emporia where he made many, many friends. He was taken care of by a staff that always had his best interests at heart. Ann Temple, Debbie Mozingo, his nurses, Debbie, Pam, Tammy and especially his beloved Geraldine will always be remembered fondly by his family members. He made a special friend while there, Mrs. Elizabeth Cook whose friendship at this stage of his life was a blessing to him. A special thanks from the family is also extended to Lifestar Ambulance Service for their care when needed. “Uncle Horace” as he was known by most, was a member of American Legion Bulla Post #46 and was a past member of the Joyner Gray Yale Ruritan Club. He leaves to cherish his memory, nieces, Kay Dunn Bryant, (Edward), Betty Jean Dunn Callahan, Nettie Lou Dunn Kitchen (Charles), Paige Withers (Bob); nephews, Howard Dunn, Jr. (Pat), Earl Dunn (Joyce), Charles Dunn (Janet), William J. “Billy” Dunn (Donna) and James Drewry, a devoted brother-in-law, Louis Riley and his companion, Lauren and many numerous great-nieces and nephews as well as some great-great-nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, August 7 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd, Jarratt, Virginia officiated by Dr. Walter Laseter of Calvary Baptist Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund, 310 S. Main St, Emporia, VA 23847.