James William Dunn

Bill ‘Doggie’ Dunn, 90, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2020 after a very brief illness. Bill was born to a mother who adored him and he grew up in the heart of Chattanooga, going to the Industrial YMCA on Mitchell Avenue to play basketball and softball with the ‘Y Boys’ every day and they have all remained lifelong friends. Bill enlisted in the Air Force with his good friend, Jack Leonard, after graduating from Central High School. He then returned to Chattanooga to marry Gladys Shaver, they had two little boys when she passed away suddenly. In 1964, Bill reconnected with his elementary school friend, Nancy Dyar Smith and they blended their families and were married until her passing in 2006. He loved music and he and Nancy danced the night away every weekend at the Eagle club for many years. Bill worked at DuPont for 34 years and retired early to have more time to enjoy his sports activities. He was always ready for a pickup basketball or softball game or a competitive game of table tennis. He picked up a tennis racket for the first time at age 50 and became a Southern Tennis Association State ranked senior tennis player. He was active in Senior Olympics and always lived a life without complaint or regrets. He is survived by his children, Bill Dunn Jr. of Sanford FL, Mark Dunn (Lis) of Charlotte NC, Michael Smith (Jackie) of Fayetteville GA, Jan Barto (Larry) of Smyrna GA, Karen Wright (Mike) of Chattanooga, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the entire staff at Manor House Assisted Living and Hearth Hospice for caring for him so lovingly. At Bill’s request there will be private services and he will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Chattanooga. Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.lanefh.com 423-877-3524