Samuel Dewayne Dunn

Sam was born to Sloan and Estelle Dunn on October 21, 1945, in Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Jacqueline Dunn Rozzelle and Linda Dunn Wilson. Sam is survived by his long-time partner, Donna Boyd, and also by his nieces and nephews: Jamey Aycock, Lynn Aycock, Rick Rozzelle, Bridgette Swepston, Robbin Whitley and their families.

Sam was a 1964 graduate from West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC. Following his graduation, Sam attended the Ringling College of Art and Design. He extended his art education and talent at Central Piedmont Community College, where he studied commercial art, advertising and design and was elected class president. With his artistic abilities, he led a team of fellow students to build a float for the Carousel Parade representing Central Piedmont. They won an award for their efforts.

Sam was a talented artist, designer, and photographer. He was the art director for Anderson Press for a number of years before starting on his own as a freelance photographer. If you are an Appalachian State fan, you might appreciate some of his work in that school’s logo. His favorite professional pursuit was photography around the NASCAR circuit. Some of Sam’s artwork is still displayed at the NASCAR hall of fame. For many years, Sam traveled as a photographer sponsored by Swisher Sweets for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year program, taking spectacular pictures showcasing the latest demonstration of farming technology.

Sam’s quick wit and alacrity for story telling made him a friend to many. He might be remembered by some as one of the few who could slalom ski. He taught himself to ski behind his dad’s small boat on Mountain Island Lake in the 1960s and continued to teach many of his friends to ski as well. Sam was a lifelong Free Mason. He loved playing golf, watching football (especially the Carolina Panthers) and also enjoyed attending the Harding/West Mecklenburg yearly class reunion at Myrtle Beach. As a proud member of the West Meck Alumni Association, he often joined other volunteers to support current students and staff of West Mecklenburg High School with supplies and encouraging support.

A memorial service and celebration of life for Sam will be held on February 21, 2026, at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 1915 Oakdale Road Charlotte, NC. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the memorial service to begin at 11:00 a.m. A brief graveside service will be held afterwards at the Pleasant Grove United Methodist Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Evangelist Bill Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sam Dunn to the Pleasant Grove Cemetery Trust Fund (PGUMC Trust Fund). Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McEwen Funerals & Cremations at Forest Lawn West. Condolences may be submitted at www.forestlawnwest.com