John Harry Dunstan

DUNSTAN, John Harry

John Harry Dunstan, a dedicated father, loving partner, native Atlantan, and Army veteran died on May 19, in Marietta.

Born on May 20, 1941, John grew up in Cascade Heights and then attended Baylor Academy in Chattanooga. He joined the Army in 1963 year, attending the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. He served in Turkey for most of his military career, translating radio transmissions, and bowling, and bowling... and bowling. John once bowled a 299 in Turkey, with the last pin costing him a large pot of money, and securing him a brass clock instead.

An avid salesman after the army, John started his own business machine company which prospered for years. John raised two sons, Graham and Adam, in Alpharetta and was a hands-on father, with his own parents living near. From coaching little league to attending Boy Scout trips, he treasured spending time with his children.

Though he could be a fierce debater, John was the most amiable person you've ever met, and hilarious too. After embarrassing his children by singing the Prince song "Kiss," he vowed to dance to the song the next time it came on, whenever and wherever. Days later, John pulled over on the side of the highway to dance and sing to Prince while his children laughed in glee and horror.

John was a serious golfer his whole life, and also cherished bowling every Friday with his partner Pam in their league. They both doted on the many dogs they loved throughout the years, even sneaking them bites of spam sandwiches which John swore he had perfected. He and Pam spent thousands of hours on their back porch laughing and talking the last three decades.

John is survived by his sons, Graham and Adam Dunstan; his partner of 34 years, Pamela Lee DeFrain; and his grandchildren, Addison and Will. John was preceded in death by his parents, James Harry Dunstan and Virginia Wysong Dunstan; and his siste,r Nancy Dunstan Meador. A celebration of his life will be announced this summer.