Allen Henry Dunn

Allen Henry Dunn, 83, of Charlottesville, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 10, 2015 at a local hospital surrounded by his family and friends. Born March 31, 1932 in Ivy, VA, he was the son of the late Eddie L. and Lessie Gibson Dunn. In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Morris Dunn, to whom he had a lifelong devotion. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Dorothy Shifflett, Mary Gibson and Nettie Gibson; and two brothers, Lee Junior Dunn and Eddie N. Dunn. Allen was a graduate of Meriwether Lewis High School, where he and Dorothy met. He served in the U.S. Army as a member of the Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, DC. While serving President Eisenhower, Allen had the honor to be present for many ceremonial functions for visiting dignitaries from all over the world. Allen was a member of the American Legion Post 74, in which he took great pride. He retired from Sperry Marine with over 33 years of service. In his time at Sperry, Allen formed close relationships that he carried with him for years, and was given the opportunity to travel and foster relationships among Sperry’s international facilities. Though Allen loved his work with Sperry, he sought retirement early in order to focus his attention on his role as a grandfather. He would frequently be found at baseball games, Cub Scout outings, and school functions, where he was known to everyone as Da-e, the name given to him by his grandchildren. He is survived by a daughter, Ellen Dunn Smith; a son, Sterling O. Dunn and friend Lori Larsen; a sister, Elsie Thomas; a brother, Ernest Dunn; three adored grandsons, Tyler Allen Byam, Devin Thomas Byam and Reid Edward Byam; and a very dear friend, housekeeper and caregiver, Miriam Olvera. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, December 14, 2015 at the Teague Funeral Home with Reverend David Collyer officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by American Legion Post 74. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2015 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to a favorite charity.