Bobby Joe Dunn

Bobby Joe (B.J.) Dunn, age 95, of Fayetteville and formerly of Russellville, died Wednesday, December 24, 2025, in Fayetteville. He was born July 1, 1930, in Booneville and was the youngest child of Judge Roy S. and Effie Jackson Dunn.

B.J. was a 1948 graduate of Booneville High School and a 1952 graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he was active in the University bands and ROTC. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army in Korea for two years. Following his military service, he returned to the University of Arkansas for graduate school where he obtained his Masters.

After working for radio station KXRJ in Russellville, he accepted the position as Director of Bands for the Russellville Public Schools. In 1963, he joined Burnett-Turner Insurance Agency where he began a 55-year career as an insurance executive before retiring in 2018. During his career, B.J. served as President of the Arkansas Association of Insurance Agents and received the Allen Kennedy Award from AAIA. In 2022, he was inducted into the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame. B.J. was a member of several civic and professional organizations, most notably Jaycees, Russellville Lions Club and Russellville School Board.

A devoted member of Russellville First United Methodist Church, he served on various committees and was a loyal member of the Chancel Choir for more than 55 years. B.J. was a vocal soloist for innumerable weddings, funerals and special church services. He served on building committees for three building additions and the church's new sanctuary.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Claire Caviness Dunn; a brother, Melvin (Hokey) Dunn; and a sister, Juanita Dunn Ghent.

B.J. is survived by his son, Robert Eric Dunn (Susan); his daughter, Julia Dunn Thorn (Gary); five grandchildren, the Rev. Katye Chambers (Donnie), Christopher Dunn (Rachel), Max Thorn III (Emma), Audrey Thorn and Andrew Thorn; and two great-grandchildren, Deacon and Raylan Chambers.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Earl Ladd Memorial Cemetery near Danville with the Rev. Katye Chambers officiating and Max Thorn serving as reader. A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m. at Russellville First United Methodist Church officiated by the Rev. Dr. Tony Griffin with a visitation to follow at the church, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.