Royce L. "Russ" Dunham

Royce L. (Russ) Dunham, 87, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Oct. 12.

Russ was born and raised in Nashville; he was the son of the late James Herman and Edna Jones Dunham. As a young man, Russ lived in Oak Ridge, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis while he was employed by Sherwin-Williams.

In 1972, he moved to LaFollette with his wife, Betty, and their two daughters, where he worked alongside his father-in-law at Shelby's Grocery. Later, he and Betty became the owners of Letter Craft Stamp and Engraving, where they worked side by side for 20 years.

Russ lived in LaFollette for 42 years, where he was an active member of First Baptist Church. For the past 8 years, he lived in Knoxville and attended Central Baptist Church Bearden.

Russ enjoyed people, always had a ready joke and loved to serve his neighbors by mowing their yards.

He is preceded in death by his brother, James Dunham; and sisters, Avis Ray and Agnes Dunham.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Ruth Shelby Dunham; daughter, Beth (Barry) Nelson of Nashville; daughter, Susan (Tim) Tucker of Knoxville; grandsons, Seth and Reed Tucker; nieces, Geraldine Blankenship of Smithville and Candace Dunham of Nashville; and a host of other family and friends to mourn his passing.

Interment was held at Bakers Forge Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 17.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to the Carson-Newman University Scholarship Fund.

Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette was in charge of arrangements.

LaFollette Press
October 21, 2021