KILMARNOCK—William T. “Bill” Dunn, 89, departed this life that he loved on Tuesday, November 2, due to complications from surgery.
He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Martha (Mardy) C. Dunn; three children, Patty (Mike), Teresa (Kevin) and Bill Jr. (Rosie); five grandchildren, Tyler (Barbara), Kelsey (Erik), Rachael (Scotty), Bryce (Ana) and Corbin (Delaney); and six great-grandchildren.
Bill was born in Roanoke, lived most of his working life in Manassas and retired with Mardy to the Northern Neck in 1981. He loved this area and was fond of saying “it’s a different world down here.”
He proudly served as a Marine in the Korean War from 1950-1952 and received a Purple Heart. He loved to tell the story of how he lied about his age and joined the Marine Reserve on a lark at 16 years old for a uniform and some spending money and then found himself as a Marine rifleman in the Korean war before he turned 18. After returning from Korea and being honorably discharged from the USMC, Bill attended the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI, later to become VCU), after which he was hired by Esso (now Exxon). Bill was employed by Exxon Corporation for about 10 years then went to work in property management.
He was proud to have retired at age 50 and move to the Northern Neck where he and his wife could enjoy life.
Bill loved living on the water, boating and catching crabs. He got many requests for his delicious crab imperial. He was a talented woodworker and created many treasures, ranging from carved ducks to totem pole tables. Bill also enjoyed gardening, reading, listening to Irish and country music, and relaxing with his favorite Virginia Gentleman cocktail. He placed great value on education and was very proud of his three children’s advanced degrees.
A significant accomplishment was his time serving on the Prince William County School Board from 1969-1977, and as chairman from 1976-1977.
Bill enjoyed life to its fullest and told his family on many occasions “I’ve had a hell of a ride in life and I wouldn’t change a minute of it.” His legacy includes passing on this zest for life to his children.
As Bill would have wanted, there will be no formal service, but rather a celebration of his life. Family will gather for the burial with military honors at Amelia Veterans Cemetery on Friday, November 12, followed by a gathering of family and friends to honor his memory and toast his accomplishments around 5 p.m. on November 12 at the home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to Smith Point Sea Rescue or Reedville Rescue Squad.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
