Mr. Frederic “Fred” Gene Dunn, 84, of Swainsboro, passed away Sunday, July 30, 2023, at his residence. Funeral service was held Thursday, August 3, at 3 p.m. at Southside Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Starke officiating, assisted by Pastor Louis Pearce. Interment followed at Old Canoochee Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Alton Henry, Corbin Wiggins, Jerry Hillman, Bryce Chapman, Brandon Chapman, Camron Kennison and Mace Henry. Honorary pallbearers were the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Association Pastors.
Mr. Dunn was born August 2, 1938, in Goodson, VA, to the late Clyde Thomas Dunn and Beula Mae Noonkester Dunn. Brother Fred was a loving and devoted husband, a faithful minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and respected member of both the religious and civic communities of the Twin City and Swainsboro area. He was a hard-working and highly regarded diesel mechanic for many years. If you wanted it fixed right, let Fred work on it. He also meticulously cared for his home and yard in Twin City and was a member of the Emanuel Missionary Baptist Association. After varied experiences in his early adult life, Fred decided to head west. He traveled across the country in his Cadillac and stopped in Los Angeles, CA, where he met Betty, a Georgia transplant, who became the love of his life. After a brief courtship, the two were married in Atlanta and then moved to Orlando, FL. It was there he met the other love of his life when he trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior while attending Conway First Baptist Church. Brother Fred faithfully served the Lord for the remainder of his life, serving as a pastor and ministry leader in several churches. When Oak Chapel Baptist Church needed a pastor, Brother Fred volunteered to “fill in” and remained for eleven years. He diligently labored to build not only the church members but the church itself. Brother Fred rebuilt the church sanctuary and finished several renovation projects in the church. His dear wife said that Fred built that church, literally. He also served as the Senior Adult Pastor of New Life Baptist Church in Metter for several years. During the past few years of his life, Brother Fred was a faithful and beloved member of Southside Baptist Church in Swainsboro and was an encourager to the congregation and its pastors. Mr. Dunn is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty J. Dunn; sisters, Fredia Hiles, Vaudine Blaylock, Nancy Cannon and Willie Hughes; brothers, Bobby Dunn, Larry Dunn and Wayne Dunn; and stepson, David Boatright.
Mr. Dunn is survived by his brother, Jerry Dunn (Betty) of Bristol, TN; sister, Georgia Thomas (Glen) of Bristol, VA; stepsons, Eddie Boatright (Laura) of Vintondale, PA and Richard Boatright (Deborah) of Jacksonville, FL; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
