William Ray Dunn

William Ray Dunn, 52, passed away tragically on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, in an auto accident just yards from reaching his Littlefield home, in Ayden. He was born on Nov. 2, 1961 in Greenville to Jack and Ruby Dunn.
William grew up in Winterville. He graduated from D.H. Conley High School in Winterville in 1979. With Pitt County soil ingrained in his heart and soul, after high school, without question, he began his life career as a young and dedicated farmer.
William married the love of his life Lana, October 4, 1981 at Grace Church in Greenville. Two years later they began growing their own family with the birth of their first daughter, followed by a second daughter, and son. Lana and William were happily married 32 years.
William, known to most as "Willie Ray", was a devoted husband, father, grandfather ("Pa Willie"), son, and brother. A stranger, he never met and he would give the shirt off his back if it meant helping someone else. He laced his boots way before the sun rose and did not rest again until well after it had set.
In addition to being a respected farmer, William was an avid fisherman who loved to be on the water as much as working the land. Also passionate about sports, he touched the lives of many in the community through coaching his children and others, beginning with "tee ball" and throughout the years as his children grew. The blood in his veins ran Carolina blue, not only because of our sky, but as an unwavering Carolina Tarheels' basketball fan.
William was preceded in death by his father, Jack Dunn; brothers, Bruce Dunn and Ricky Dunn; brother-in-law, Glen Carroll; and nephew, Charlie Clark.
"Left to remember" are his wife, Lana of Ayden; daughters, Ashley Dunn Jones and husband, Brandon Jones, of Ayden, and Kelley Lynn Dunn of Winston-Salem; son William Tyler Dunn and wife, Emily Denise Dunn, of Ayden; grandchildren, Trenton Bowen and Levi Dunn; mother, Ruby Dunn; two brothers, Jack Jr. and Wayne Dunn; and three sisters, Shirley Clark, Katherine Hobbs, and Judy Carroll.
A memorial service will be held at his home, 123 E Littlefield Road, Ayden at 10 a.m. Friday. The family invites family and friends to attend this casual service in celebration of William.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made to a college fund for his grandchildren. You may contact Farmer Funeral Service for additional information.
Condolences may be sent to farmerfuneralservice.com