Garland "Ray" Dunn

                                                                                      Garland Ray Dunn

                                                                                     2/19/40 – 7/21/22

     Garland Ray Dunn entered into eternal rest at the age of 82, while at home in Panama City Beach, FL, on July 21, 2022 with his wife, Deta, at his side.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mildred Dunn; brother, James Dunn and daughter, Robin Dunn Hicks.

     He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Emily “Deta” Dunn; His children, Curtis Dunn (Amy) of Yelm, Washington; Pam Wilkinson (Bruce) of Freeport, FL; Gary Dunn (Panja) of Inlet Beach, FL; Grandchildren, Jeremy Hicks, Kimberlee Hicks and Ross Shelley, Brandon Hicks and fiancé, Sydnne Evans,

Kyla Freeman (Trapper), Nick Wilkinson (Brittany), Lucas Dunn and Alexa Dunn; Great-grandchildren, Kennedy Moore and McKenzie Ryan; Sister, Deborah Self; Brother, Danny Dunn, a host of nieces and nephews and his sidekick of 17 years, his dog, Max.

     Following his time in the United States Air Force, Ray became an accomplished welder. He moved his family from Kentucky to Florida in 1974 and began working Civil Service at Naval Coastal Systems Center where he retired after 25 plus years of dedicated service.  He enjoyed many hobbies over the years including golf and fishing.  He was an avid gun collector and gifted marksman.  However, Ray is most affectionately remembered for his strong love of family. He was a devoted husband and  spent a lifetime doting on his wife, Deta.  She was his number one, his sweetheart! Together they raised four children.  Ray could be found after work and on the weekends throwing ball out in the yard with the kids, attending ball games, pageants, band, choral or dance performances or any of the other many activities his children were involved in.  With sons serving in the military, Ray traveled across the US to attend many military ceremonies.  As the family grew, Ray became “Papaw” to grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and in true Papaw form, could be found on the front row at their activities as well.  When asked his greatest achievement, Ray would answer without hesitation, “his family” and would quickly add this achievement was not his alone, but one he shared with Deta.

     Ray was Christian in faith and lived his testimony through his generosity of spirit.  He was quick to celebrate the achievements and successes of friends and family and, when needed, was always available with a listening ear and heartfelt advice.  Ray believed in, and practiced, acts of kindness without recognition -many of his acts of kindness through the years only recently shared with family after Ray became ill.

     The family would like to thank the caregivers of Covenant Hospice for the care and support provided over the past 5 years as well as two very special caregivers who have become a part of the family, Shanna Brooks and Jeanine Julian.

Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL  has been entrusted with arrangements.

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