William Harrell Dunn

Funeral services for Mr. William Harrell Dunn will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 31, 2025, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, with Reverend Greg Willis officiating. Interment will follow in Cryer Cemetery, Oakdale, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale.
Mr. Dunn, 85, of Sulphur, formerly of Oakdale, entered eternal rest on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. William proudly served his country in the United States Army. He had a deep love for nature; he was often found fishing or walking for miles outdoors. He cared for countless baby animals, bottle-feeding each one with patience and compassion. A true craftsman at heart, he enjoyed building and refinishing furniture and remodeling homes. He and his beloved wife shared a passion for travel, embarking together on eighteen unforgettable cruises. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
History of the Dunn Family: Oakdale, Louisiana, was originally called Bay and was located about two miles southwest of the town's present site. William Thomas Dunn, the grandfather of William, served as the first postmaster in Bay and operated a grist mill, cotton gin, and sawmill in the area. On May 4, 1885, he received a land patent from the U.S. Government for 160 acres that became the town site of Oakdale. Following this donation, the settlement's name was changed from Bay to Dunnsville in his honor. At that time, Dunnsville was still part of Calcasieu Parish, but when a team of surveyors later visited the area, they were so impressed by the beautiful live oak trees that they renamed the town Oakdale, the name it carries to this day.
He was preceded in death by one son, Bill Dunn; one daughter, Penny Dunn; his parents, Woodrow and Agnes Dunn; and one brother, Glen Dunn.
Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include his loving wife of twenty-five years, Nancy Dunn of Sulphur; one son; two stepchildren; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; one brother, Roy Dunn of Oakdale; one sister, Evelyn Pender of Shreveport; and one nephew, Ronnie Pender of Shreveport.
A time of visitation will be held in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Oakdale, on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Jerry Davis, Presten Jaubert, Tyler Weaver, Kolin Lashlee, Wesley Ryder, and Ronnie Pender.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Rush Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.
Friends may post online messages of condolence for the Dunn family by visiting www.rushfh.com