William Burwell Dunn III (“Jeep”), 80, died August 21, 2023 at his home in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Born February 16, 1943 in Florence, SC to Burwell and Leonide Dunn, he weighed less than 5 lbs., earning him the nickname “Jeep” after the Army’s new, small but rugged all-terrain vehicle.
Jeep graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence in 1961 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the College of Charleston in 1965, where he was a member and president of the Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. An avid painter and photographer throughout college, Jeep was also treasurer of the student body and photographer and editor of the college yearbook.
Jeep attended the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), specializing in pathology and publishing research works before receiving his M.D. in 1970. He was Chief Resident in Pathology prior to joining the United States Navy in 1973, where he served as Lieutenant Commander at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Charleston, SC. He fulfilled a two-year term as Chief of Staff during his four-year stint at Aiken Community Hospital (1976-1980) before moving to Hendersonville, NC and joining Pisgah Associates of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology where he worked from 1980 to 2007, serving Pardee, Transylvania County, St Luke’s and Park Ridge Hospitals. He was Board certified in clinical pathology, anatomic pathology and surgical pathology, and served as Medical Examiner for the State of North Carolina in forensic pathology.
Outside of his professional career, Jeep enjoyed astronomy, photography, bowling and was an avid gardener at his private residences, with over 200 rose bushes in Aiken, SC and later achieving blue ribbon status with a variety of dahlias grown in Hendersonville, NC. Primarily, he enjoyed spending time with his family. Jeep was devoted to his wife of 55 years, Myrna Botzis Dunn, and his children and their families. Jeep’s integrity, thoughtfulness and generosity were unsurpassed, and his penchant for entertaining and storytelling was legendary. His life lessons and loving spirit will live in our memories.
Jeep is survived by his adoring wife, Myrna Dunn; his three daughters and their families, Emily Dunn McNeil (Ryan McNeil), Kristin Dunn Hucks and Lauren Dunn Snelling (Russell Snelling); five grandchildren, Connor McNeil (10), Jack Hucks (15), Oliver Hucks (13), Eddie Hucks (12) and Indigo Snelling (12); his two brothers, Edward Dunn and Marion Dunn; brother-in-law, Bill Milam; sister-in-law, Vicki Dunn, extended family and close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 26 from 11:00am-12:30pm at Art House Venue in East Flat Rock, NC. Interment will follow at a later date at Bethany Cemetery in Charleston, SC. Memorial donations may be made to Flat Rock Backpack Program c/o St John in the Wilderness.
Jackson Funeral Service is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Celebration of Life:
Saturday, August 26, 2023; 11am-12.30pm
5 Highland Park Road, East Flat Rock, NC 28726
(828) 808 3594