Ralph E. “Rusty” Dunn, Jr.

October 15, 2020

Ralph E. “Rusty” Dunn, Jr., age 64, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Trahan Family Funeral Home in Pensacola on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at 2:30 p.m. In keeping with Rusty’s wishes; his ashes will be scattered at sea at a later date.

Rusty was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but had called Pensacola home since moving here in 1978. He lived in Temperance, Michigan as a teen and it was there that he discovered his love for cars and racing. He spent his young adult years racing at dirt tracks in northern Ohio and made several trips to victory lane at Fremont Speedway. In 1978, Rusty moved to Pensacola and began what would become many long-lasting friendships through the different jobs that he had. Continuing his great knack for fixing things he worked for The Fix-It Shop doing small engine repair, before working many years at Montgomery Ward as an appliance repairman. He then went on to work for The Lakeview Center before finally fulfilling his dream of owning his own business, Rusty’s Appliance Repair. Rusty made many friendships in the business along the way and had quite a following of regular repeat customers for many years, before officially retiring in 2015.

Retirement allowed Rusty to enjoy the real joys in his life…Nascar, fishing of any kind, country music, cooking and playing guitar. These things were only made sweeter by sharing them with his wife, Lynn, who he cherished. Rusty met Lynn in 2005 and the two of them were truly best friends. He loved taking Lynn fishing and going to country music concerts with her as well as spending Saturdays with their friends watching Nascar and Alabama football.

Rusty was also a proud father to his two children, Dawn and Richard. He shared his love for fishing with Richard and the two of them had many great fishing trips through the years. Some of Rusty’s most cherished memories was the thrill of Cobia season every Spring, which in recent years had been celebrated by trips on his son’s boat. Rusty’s passion for fishing was taught to both his children from very young ages; fishing trips and tall tales of those “that got away” always made for great conversation. Rusty had a special bond with is daughter, Dawn. They both shared a love for country music, cooking, and car racing. Rusty treasured their long talks and visits just to catch up that were filled with laughs and memories both old and new.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph E. Dunn, Sr., and Shirley Dunn Renfro; and by his son, Richard Dunn.

Rusty is survived by his wife, Lynn Poss-Dunn; daughter, Dawn Wise, grandchildren, Wesley Wise, Lenzie Dunn, Hunter Dunn and Carlie Dunn as well as many extended family members, close friends and his beloved canine companion, Kelso.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the doctors and nurses in the MICU department at Baptist Hospital for the exemplary care and compassion given during such a difficult time.

Comments

2 Responses to “Ralph E. “Rusty” Dunn, Jr.”

  1. T. (Tommy) Surles on November 19th, 2020 4:19 pm

    Rusty and I made a friendship over his appliance business. He was in our house many times working on our appliances, and I had many long conversations with him by phone. Loved talking with him and getting advice from him.
    Will miss him mightly.
    He was as good a guy as I ever met.
    Tommy Surles

  2. Michael J. Griffith and Cheryl Young Griffith on November 16th, 2020 12:20 am

    Our deepest sympathies. May you find peace and comfort.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries