Allen Dunnam

1938 - 2025

William Allen Dunnam passed away on November 19, 2025, at Baptist Memorial-Union County at the age of 87.

Born on May 8, 1938, in New Albany, MS, he was the cherished son of William Frank and Myrtis Gray Dunnam. He was a loving brother to sisters Helen and Kay.

Allen was a proud member of the New Albany High School Class of 1956. In 1960, he married Mary "Lavon" Jackson, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Allen was a devoted father to Randy and Scott, teaching them the values of honesty, hard work, and kindness.

Throughout his career, Allen was known for his dedication, professionalism, and integrity. He served as a rifleman in the National Guard Army Reserve from 1961-1967. Allen was among the many members of the Mississippi National Guard placed on active federal service on September 30, 1962, by executive order of President John F. Kennedy to provide assistance in Oxford at the University of Mississippi.

A diligent and respected worker, Allen was self-employed for many years. He enjoyed countless conversations with both new and longtime friends while managing the Chevron Full-Service Fuel Station and Garage. Instilled with pride and love for his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter from 1963 to 2001. Many will remember Allen's loyalty to family as he worked alongside his late father-in-law, Leon Jackson, at the New Albany Stockyards and then with his late brother-in-law, Lamar, at Jackson's Supermarket.

Allen treasured time spent with family, friends, and his community. His jokes and comical stories brought joy to many. His compassion for others and the impact he had on their lives will endure for generations. Despite experiencing much loss in recent years, Allen held fast to his hope in Jesus Christ. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church of New Albany, he faithfully attended Sunday School and often served as secretary and treasurer.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Myrtis; Lavon, his wife of sixty-five years; and his sons, Randy and Scott; and his grandson, Bryan.

He is survived by his sisters, Helen Cousar (the late Ernest Cousar) of New Albany and Kay Denson (John) of Dalton, GA; daughters-in-law, Tameri and Laura, both of New Albany. He was a proud grandfather - affectionately know as "Pop"- to Melissa, Jordan Murry (Ryan), Sam Jackson, Olivia, Miller, and Elise Noland (Conner), and he delighted in being a great-grandfather to Lilli Dunnam, Mary Eason and Will Murry. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 22, at 3:00 pm with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm all at First Baptist Church in New Albany, Pastor Andrew Chesteen will officiate. Burial will follow at Vista Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church-Investing Today, Impacting Eternity Building Fund.

United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these services.