J.W. Dunn

Mr. J.W. Dunn, a man of strength, purpose, and unwavering commitment to his family community, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the age of 86. Born on November 17, 1939, in Terrell, Texas, to Willie Dunn and Beatrice Sanders Tollfree, J.W. was the second of four children. He received his early education through the Terrell Independent School District and later continued his studies at Cedar Valley College and Mountain View College.

From his earliest days, his life reflected resilience, discipline, and service qualities that would define his journey and the legacy he leaves behind. In his younger years, he expressed his love for music as a member of the Gospel Jubilee Aires, where he sang and served as the lead bass guitarist. That season of his life remained especially close to his heart.

Mr. Dunn was a proud member of the UAW and a skilled photographer with Vought Corporation, where his dedication and strong work ethic were well known. Yet beyond his profession, he was a man of extraordinary discipline a 4th-degree black belt and respected Tae Kwon Do instructor who taught perseverance, respect, and self-control to all who crossed his path. His passion for excellence also extended into bodybuilding, where he found both strength and purpose.

He was also a co-founder of the Iron Riders of Dallas Cycling Club, helping to create a brotherhood centered on health, fellowship, and unity.

Mr. Dunn was deeply committed to justice and equality. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price and maintaining a meaningful friendship with fellow activist Dianne Ragsdale. His commitment to service was seen throughout South Dallas, where he went door to door registering voters so that others might have a voice. His compassion was further displayed in his quiet generosity spending countless hours smoking turkeys and giving them away, simply to bless others.

Above all, he cherished his family. He loved spending time with them, and he especially adored his granddaughter and great-granddaughters, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Mr. Dunn was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Dunn and Beatrice Sanders Tollfree; two sisters, Christy Lynn Angton and Willie Faye Johnson; and his uncle, Wilbert Dunn. He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy: his loving wife, Dorothy Dunn; his daughter, Delores Dunn; his son, Juan W. Dunn (Ameshia Hickman); seven grandchildren, Zavajon Dunn, Jazmine Davis, Laniya Davis, KJ Henderson, Mariah Ohle, Gabriel Sinches and Elijah Sinches; four great-grandchildren, Najova Robertson, Naomi Robertson, Journii Davis, and Za’Moura Davis; two children by marriage, Ebony Gatlin and Kevin Henderson; one brother, Phillip Ford; along with a host of relatives and dear friends. Mr. Dunn’s life stands as a testimony of strength, service, and compassion. Though he is no longer with us in body, his legacy lives on in every life he touched and every community he helped build.

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