Birth Date: 09/15/1931
Deceased Date: 10/01/2024
Julius B. Dunn, “JB,” passed away on October 1, 2024, at the age of 93. JB was born on September 15, 1931, in Johnston County, North Carolina, to George Daniel Dunn and Annie Belle Dunn. He is survived by his wife, Linda Carlson Dunn, from West Field, NY. JB has four brothers: William Dunn of Fayetteville, Larry Lee (Brenda) of Hillsborough, Robert (Lavon) Dunn, and Wayne (Marlene) Dunn of Four Oaks. He has one sister, Scarlette (Dennis) Lee of Four Oaks, and 12 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeanette Temple, and brothers Norman Dunn, James Linwood, and Carrol Lee, all from Four Oaks.
JB grew up on the farm, growing tobacco and cotton and driving the mules. He left high school to join the Air Force and was stationed in England and Morocco. After his tour, he returned home, graduated from Four Oaks High School in 1956, and worked as a peanut inspector for the US government. The opportunity came to work for Automatic Electric as a telephone equipment installer, leading to a job with Stromberg Carlson and later with General Dynamics. JB’s work took him to over 417 telephone offices in the United States and American Samoa. One of his jobs was at C & E Telephone in Westfield, NY, where he met his future wife, Linda Carlson. They started dating in 1974 with her father Gunnard, telling her, “You be nice to JB! He’s a good man.” They married in 1975 and celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary this year.
JB was always interested in meeting new people and enjoyed his friends tremendously, whether it was Friday night dinner at the Bark Grill, a barn party, or a casual get-together. He was a member of Kiwanis and later joined the Westfield Mayville Rotary Club, where he made many special friends.
Linda needed someone to line Moore Park for the Westfield Arts and Crafts festivals and recruited JB for the job, which he had done for 20 years. When he retired, he went to the Westfield Patterson Library Director, Debbie Williams, and asked how he could help. He started with a few small jobs, and his friend Dave Correll offered to help. That was the beginning of “The Hands,” a volunteer group that enriched Patterson Library in many ways and continues to this day. He enjoyed his time working on the projects but loved the camaraderie he had with his fellow volunteers.
JB and Linda traveled throughout the United States and 97 countries. Unbelievably, his southern accent was easily understood by travelers worldwide. After retirement, he and Linda soon discovered the joy of ocean travel, taking eight world cruises. The adventure of driving in many countries, especially Greece and Wales, was not something he enjoyed, and he vowed never to do it again until the road signs were in English.
Special friends worldwide included Jussi from Finland, Luxmie from India, and Giovanni from Italy. JB always held a special place for Giovi and Julie and for Neil, Gene, and Gary Dusharme.
JB and Linda loved their “fur babies” Katie, Bonnie B, Danny B, Siegfried B, Lucy Band, and Annie Belle.
JB and Linda had 49 wonderful years. He passed peacefully, having had the time to see and hear from friends and family. He will be remembered as a “Good Man.”
A graveside service will be held at Lee’s Chapel Church cemetery in Four Oaks, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM, officiated by his brother Wayne Dunn. The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and remembrance of JB.
