Joe William Dunn, Jr.

COLUMBIA - Joe William Dunn, Jr. (“Bill”), 86, passed from this earthly life on Sunday, May 15, 2022 in the arms of his loving wife of 64 years, Gessner Snowden Dunn, formerly of Indiantown S.C., and his children. Bill’s family will hold a private service at Shandon United Methodist Church to honor Bill and celebrate his life.

Born in Columbia, S.C. on June 21, 1935, Bill was the son of Joe William Dunn and Roberta Shealy Dunn. Bill was a lifelong resident of Columbia who graduated from Dreher High School and Clemson University (1957) with a degree in Industrial Management.

Following graduation from Clemson, he joined Dunn Electric Company, a family electrical contracting business founded by his parents in Columbia in 1943. Through decades of energetic leadership, Bill helped Dunn Electric Company grow to be a prominent contractor in the Midlands and throughout the state, implementing many large projects for commercial and government clients until his retirement and closure of the company in 2000.

Bill and Gessner had a deep commitment to each other, and their greatest source of happiness was their marriage and family. Bill supported his family’s welfare as a provider, through his strong work ethic; as a mentor, through his soft-spoken words and quiet leadership; and, most importantly, as a friend, through his gifts of time and love.

Bill was a loyal and generous third-generation member of Shandon United Methodist Church, one of the founders of the JOY Class, and played a leadership role on Shandon’s building committee. One of Bill’s greatest joys in life was his post-retirement work in Haiti through the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. Bill traveled many times to Jeremie, Haiti, where he designed electrical distribution systems and worked with local residents and mission volunteers to establish and provide support to an eye clinic and other community health facilities.

Bill is survived by his wife Gessner Snowden Dunn; son, Joe William Dunn, IV (Pamela) of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter, Susan Dunn Britton (Buddy) of Seabrook, S.C.; son, Stephen Michael Dunn (Amy) of Hillsborough, N.C.; grandchildren, Emily Dunn Letourneau (William), Ashley Dunn Dalpiaz (Alex), Joe William Dunn, V (Christine), Anna McClain Carter (Philip), Sarah McClain Dunnavant (Michael), Carson Dunn McClain, Juliana Clelia Dunn, and Daniela Roberta Dunn; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Paul Letourneau, Madelyn Sue Letourneau, Brody Christian Dalpiaz, Elliot Grace Dalpiaz, Joe William Dunn, VI, Luke Olson Carter, Noah William Carter; and faithful dog, “Buster”.

Bill’s family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Prisma Health Richland Hospital for their professional and caring support throughout his final days.

In lieu of flowers, Bill requested donations be made to the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (SC) Haiti Eye Clinic Fund or Pawmetto Lifeline animal rescue.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.