Albert "Al" Dunse

Albert Fredrick Dunse, age 91, of Starr, SC, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 01:23 am at Rainey Hospice House.

Al was born on October 3, 1933, on Vashon Island in the Puget Sound near Seattle, Washington. He was the only son of Louise Shimer and Albert H. Dunse. He grew up a dedicated Boy Scout in the mountains of Baker City, Oregon. Al started his service with the National Guard in 1950 and joined the Air Force two years later in 1952. He had a passion for flying and earned an outstanding number of flight hours as a performance engineer. He was assigned to the C124 Globemaster II (Old Shakey) and was then assigned to the C141 StarLifter. Al loved seeing and talking about aircrafts, a love that he shared often. His military career took him all over the world and his mission highlights included supporting the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line. He retired from the Air Force after 24 years in 1974.

Al was a man of integrity beyond reproach. He was a husband, father, Poppy, businessman, and hero. He lived his life with dignity, respect, and pride. He loved going camping and fishing with his wife Shirley and teaching the grandkids how to fish for the big ones. He was always devising ways to engineer build things with his family. Anything was possible with him.

Al was an active member of the American Legion #44 Iva. He loved talking to the guys about his military experiences.

Al and his wife Shirley were blessed with three children, Pam Lutton (Gary), Glenn Dunse (Lora), and Rhonda Sease (Steve). He had five grandchildren, Chrissy Lee (Harold), Matthew Lutton (Robin), Tyler Sease (Kayla), Andrew Sease, and Stephanie Hopper (Kevin). He had four great grandchildren, Mikayla Lee, Cody Lee, Grady Sease, Madi Sease, Kelsey Hopper, Kailyn Hopper, and Griffin Hopper.

When Al received his second pair of wings, he was met at Heaven's gate by his parents; his wife, Shirley Jean Burke Dunse; and his son, Glenn who like his father, proudly served his country in the military.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 11:30-12:15 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service with military honors will begin at 12:30 pm in the Chapel with Rev. Mike Vandiver officiating. Burial will follow at M.J. Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or the family would request donations be made to the American Legion #44 Iva which will help an organization that Al loved so much.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.