Yank "Yank Al" Al

Dunham, Alfred "Yank" "Al" Sherman Age 81, of Macclenny, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, surrounded by his devoted family and held close in the loving embrace of his cherished wife. Yank was born on July 1, 1943, in Syracuse, New York, to the late Jason Sherman Dunham and Bertha Mae Good. He later made his home in Jacksonville, Florida, where he built a career in the trucking industry. He worked for 18 years with Falcon Trucking and became the proud Owner-Operator of Dunham Trucking Inc., a company he ran until his retirement in 2021. In 2000, Yank was reunited with his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Joan Dian Holbrook. Together, they relocated to Macclenny, Florida, and were married on May 5, 2000. Over the past 24 years, they cherished every moment, making up for the time they had spent apart. Yank was a dedicated husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and proud great-grandfather. Yank had a true cowboy spirit. His love for horses was something he passed on to his children and grandchildren, enjoying rodeos, barrel racing, and all things western. He was rarely seen without his signature western shirt, cowboy boots, and favorite hat. His friendly nature was infectious-if you met Yank around town, you were often greeted with his warm, booming "How are you doing, darlin'?" that made you feel like the most important person in the room. He had an endless love for people, always ready to share a story or lend a listening ear. Never too busy to help, Yank mentored many and became a father figure to countless individuals, even those with no blood relation. His larger-than-life personality left a permanent mark on everyone fortunate enough to meet him.
Yank is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Joan Dian Dunham; his children Kathy (Gary) Mullins, Loretta Dunham, Alan Dunham, Kelly (Adam) Haberman, Alyssa Dunham, Kevin(Rachel) O'Quinn, Bobby (Kelli) Cornn, Lorie Rothenberger and Melissa (Dean) Thompson, 17 grandchildren; Jason and Sean Mullins, Matthew Piner, Taylor, Kailey, Nicki and April Haberman, Marla and Kaden O'Quinn, Dustin (Crystal) Heppner, Brittni (Justin) Lauramore, BJ Cornn Jr, Dillon (Aime) Cornn, Kayla (Allen) Stallings, Whittni (Stewart) Hardenbrook, Garrett (Chaunte)Thompson and Chelsea (Kelton) Nipper; and 21 great grandchildren; along with other extended family and lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Yank's life will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at New Life Church of Macclenny, Florida 14271 North State Road 121, with Pastor Jack Pope officiating. This tribute was lovingly prepared by the family of Alfred "Yank" "Al" Sherman Dunham. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family's guest book.