KILMARNOCK—Albert Nelson “Spike” Nunn passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024.
He entered the world on May 22, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio. Born into a military family, he lived in multiple states and in Japan and France. In Japan, he lived in the Governor’s Mansion as his father was the Military Governor of Yamagata Prefecture during the occupation. He graduated from the American School in Orleans, France, and spoke both French and Japanese.
He attended the now defunct Sullivan’s Prep School in Washington, D.C., before entering the United States Air Force Academy where he was a member of the Class of 1961. He was a life member of the Association of Graduates. He entered the MarCad program in the USMC and served seven years in the Corps where he flew the A4C Skyhawk jet and did a tour in Vietnam where he was awarded the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters among other medals of commendation and attained the rank of captain. Upon returning from Vietnam, he was an instructor in the Advanced Training Command at Navy Chase Field in Beeville, Texas.
Before his deployment to Vietnam, he married the love of his life, Rebecca Tebbs of Kilmarnock. “Spike,” as he was known by all, separated from the USMC in 1966 and after being offered positions with four airlines, chose to go with American and had a 32-year career with them where he flew the 707, the MD80, the Bach111, the 727, the Airbus and the MD11. His last three years before retirement, he enjoyed flights to London and Buenos Aires and was often accompanied by Rebecca. During his career, he was based at Kennedy/LaGuardia, Reagan/Dulles/Baltimore Washington, Raleigh and Miami. He retired in 1998. He served as a union representative for Allied Pilots Association while flying for American. In 1994, he obtained his master’s in theology from Barry University.
A lifetime Republican, Nunn was the Republican Nominee for State Senate in Maryland in 1978, served as a Precinct Chair, and was the Dean of the Maryland Precinct School. He remained active with the party in both North Carolina and Virginia.
He was the vice president of the Quince Orchard Valley Homeowners’ Association and also of the Horizon Hill Civic Association in Maryland, president of the White Stone Chamber of Commerce for four years while residing in Virginia in the 80s, the president of the Oak Park Aquatic and Racquet Club in Raleigh, N.C., the treasurer of the Raleigh Sports Club, president of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish Council in Raleigh, a member of the Capital City Club in Raleigh, the Admiral’s Club of Miami, the Miami 400, the Army Navy Club in Miami, the Richard Henry Lee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, Historic Christ Church Foundation and The Boat Club.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church where he served as the Grand Knight of the Third Degree and as the Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree. He was a trustee in the VFW and taught scripture studies at the Cathedral in Raleigh and along with his wife was a FOCCUS Facilitator where they counseled over 60 engaged couples prior to marriage.
Nunn was appointed by the Bishop of Raleigh as an advocate and procurator for the Diocese for those seeking certificates of invalidity. Upon moving to Virginia in 2006, he was appointed by the Arlington Bishop to serve in the same capacity. Additionally, he taught adult catechism at St. Francis de Sales in Kilmarnock. He served two terms on the Parish Council of Church of the Visitation in Topping.
Spike was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award given him by the Lancaster County Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy for his service in Vietnam and received a similar award from the Cobbs Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
While residing in White Stone during the 80s in addition to flying for American, he was a Real Estate Broker and owned Nunn Realty, Ltd., International Sales and Transport and Nunn Construction Company. He built several houses in the area and transported goods and passengers for local businesses in one of his three airplanes.
Spike is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Rebecca; his beloved daughter, Ashley Nunn of Joshua Tree, Calif., his younger brother, Frank (Bert) of Pascagoula, Miss.; his surrogate son, David Hogan (Ryan) of Raleigh, N.C.; numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored; and his Shelties, Cinco and Goldie.
He was predeceased by his sons, Michael Tebbs “Dash” Nunn and Douglas Arthur Nelson “Danny” Nunn; his parents; his older brother, William A. Nunn III; and his sisters, Kay Nunn Wallace and Martha Nunn Elbourn.
Spike was a wonderful and loving husband, a fantastic and adoring father and a great brother to his siblings. He gave his family 100% every day. He was happy and gregarious with a wonderful sense of humor that stayed present to the end. He never met a stranger. He was kind, sweet and a gentleman through and through who always had a twinkle in his eye.
Spike was a role model to many and will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him and will remain forever in our hearts as a beacon of strength, love and faith and always a Marine.
The viewing will take place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock, followed by a wake service at 7 p.m. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 5, at St. Francis de Sales with a reception to follow at the St. Francis Parish Hall.
