John Allen Dunn

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama to Douglas and Evelyn Dunn, John graduated from Ramsey High School before attending Auburn University. In 1958, John’s love for his country soon led him to join the United States Army, where he quickly earned the title of Sergeant and served until 1961. Following his military service, he then attended Mississippi State University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. Upon graduation, John went back to Auburn University where he joined the faculty and met a student named Kathleen, who soon became the love of his life. This meeting marked the beginning of a beautiful marriage that spanned 59 years.

Throughout his career, John was known for his strong work ethic, honesty, and loyalty. He spent much of his professional career at David Tire Company before founding Dunn Business Services in 1985, serving his clients for nearly two decades.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, John lived life to the fullest. While in the army, he developed a passion for parachute jumping and, after his service became a member of the Parachute Club of America, where over the years he earned his Gold Wings after completing more than 1,000 jumps - an achievement that reflected his love for adventure. After retirement, his passion for the skies even led him to earn his pilot’s license. There was nothing John couldn’t do when he put his mind to it.

While John loved living life to its fullest, nothing brought him greater joy than his family. John is survived by his wife, Kathleen Watson Dunn; his children, Allen Dunn (Katie), Wesley Dunn (Polly), and Elizabeth Dunn; and his six cherished grandchildren, Blake Dunn, Collins Dunn, Lora Dunn Saucer (Grant), Emma Dunn Cousineau (Cole), Rebecca Dunn, and Sara Dunn. He is also survived by his three sisters, Carmen Ellsworth, Evelyn Anderson, and Allene Vorster (Butch), as well as his sister-in law, Shirley Dunn, brother-in-law, Bill McCowan, and many nieces and nephews.

To his grandchildren, John was simply “Grandaddy,” a title he wore with great pride. To say John was proud of his children and grandchildren would be an understatement. He cherished every minute he had with each one of them and left a lasting impression on their lives. His family will remember a husband, father, and grandfather who loved deeply, laughed often, offered wisdom, shared stories, and taught them so many lessons along the way. But, most importantly, they will remember a husband, father, and grandfather who cared immensely and always made time for them.

John loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where he served as a greeter and welcomed countless people with his warm smile and friendly spirit. He truly never met a stranger. Whether through a conversation, a joke, or a helping hand, he had a gift for making others feel at ease.

John found joy in life’s simple pleasures - working on his farm, taking adventurous road trips, cheering on Auburn, expressing his gratitude for the country he loved, and spending time with family and friends. He was generous with his time, resources, and affection, always willing to help someone in need. His faith guided the way he lived, the way he treated others, and the legacy he leaves behind. Through his life, he demonstrated that kindness matters, integrity matters, generosity matters, family matters, and faith matters.

A memorial service for John will be held Friday, June 26, at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama. Visitation will begin at noon with a celebration of life at 1pm. While his family mourns his absence, they are deeply grateful for the example he set and the memories he leaves behind, and they rejoice in the assurance that he is now home with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully. His influence will continue to be felt in the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.