In Remembrance of Willie Bell Dunn
He was born to Calvin Dunn and Emma Murray Dunn in Goodpine, Louisiana. He was the younger of their two Sons. He was the Great Nephew of Oscar J. Dunn, who served as the Lt. Governor of Louisiana in 1868 – 1871. He loved the fact that there is a Town in Louisiana that carries the Family name. His Mother died when he was a baby, and his Father raised his Sons to be close to one another, and instilled good work ethics, that carried throughout a lifetime.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1943, and made a career of it. He served in WWII and Korea.
He earned numerous medals, honors, and was recognized for excellent conduct and service.
He was stationed at two Seattle Army Bases: Fort Lawton and Fort Lewis. The last Army Base where he was stationed was Fort Knox in Kentucky, this is where he was honorably discharged in 1963, after 20 years of Military Service for his Country. He was a member of the American Legion Post #188.
He came to Seattle in the 1940’s, as a serviceman, and met his love and soulmate, Velma B. Johnson, she was a Beautician and part of the USO, an organization that supports military personnel. Their lives were parallels of one another, and they became quite a dynamic duo. They were quite socialites, and were members of many organizations. Their union produced a Son that died before birth, and a Daughter, Sandra V. Dunn. Together they were Grandparents to Granddaughter, Raydiah C. Anderson. Their Great Grandson, La’Quan Anderson-Ridenour, was born long after she had passed on.
He also has a Son, Vincent M. Dunn and Grandson’s Isiah M. Dunn and Vincent M. Dunn, Jr.
He lived many years in the Central District and Madrona with his Family, and owned property and businesses in the Community. One of the businesses was Dunn’s Mini Mart, which was known for producing the popular Dunn’s hot and mild Louisiana sausage. The sausages were also packaged and distributed to many of the Central District and South end stores, and also shipped out of State.
In 1958 he joined the Prince Hall Masonic Family along with his wife Velma Dunn, who was a member of Mt. Rainier Chapter No. 1 OES. He joined Harmony Lodge No. 2 and later joined J.C. Logan Lodge No. 53, and became Past Master. He was Grand Worthy Patron of Mt. Rainier Chapter No. 1 OES from 1978-1981. He was in the Prince Hall Consistory No.67, and Past Illustrious Potentate of Beni Hassan Temple No. 65. He was a 33rd. Degree Mason.
He was a man of strong faith, and he joined and became a member of the Spruce Street Seventh Day Adventist Church (Now the Emerald City SDA Church). He later joined and became a member of Freedom Church and served there faithfully. He became known there as “Father Dunn.” He lost his Wife Velma B. Dunn, on March 7, 1979, and his strong faith in God, is what got him through that difficult time. He often said “There will never be another Velma Dunn.”
He later met and fell in love with Pamela Andre’ Daye. They were married on June 18, 1988, He truly loved and adored her. He also loved, adored, nurtured and supported the Daughter’s, the Grand Children, and Great Grandchildren. He was fondly called “Dad” and “Papa”. They were united as a couple and spent many years together.
Mr. Dunn worked in many Professions:
The United States Postal Service from 1964-1980, as a Mechanic, Assistant Foreman, and Motor Vehicle Systems Analyst.
Security Officer and Supervisor in many locations in Seattle and Burien.
Real Estate Salesman and Notary Public, he sold many properties in the Central District and surrounding areas.
His last job was with Catholic Community Services at the Randolph Carter Center. He loved his job as Receptionist and Security, and was equally fond of his Co-Workers, as they were of him. He was given a big send off when he retired.
Mr. Willie B. Dunn lived a long and productive life, he wore many hats, and gave back to his Community in many ways, sponsoring Little League and other Sport Teams, and just being there as a role model for so many in the Community.
He is preceded in death by:
Parents, Emma Murray Dunn and Calvin Dunn.
Wife, Velma Burnie Dunn.
Brother, Joseph Calvin Dunn.
Aunt Georgia Murray Watson and Uncle Frank Watson.
Cousins: Clarence Bell and Moses “Mose” Lollie.
Grandson, Jasaan Dowell.
His Memory will live on in the hearts of Family, Relatives, Friends, and Community.
The Community is invited to come and pay last respects, and be the way you need to be with him, before he goes to his final resting place.
Columbia Funeral Home Chapel
4567-Rainier Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98118
Friday, May 20th. 2022- 4-8p.m.
Saturday, May 21st. 2022-10-2p.m.
