Roll Call Tribute

William Ross Dunn 

September 6, 1933 - May 9, 2025 

William (Bill) Ross Dunn peacefully completed his mortal journey on May 9, 2025. He was born to Dr. Sul Ross Dunn and Opal Marie Honea Dunn in Corpus Christi, Texas, on September 6, 1933. Bill attended Texas A&M University, then married the love of his life, Marilyn Stacy on September 5, 1959.

Bill began his law enforcement career as an officer in the Corpus Christi Police Department, serving from 1956 to 1961. Bill Then served with distinction in the U.S. Border Patrol from 1961 to 1984. Among his duties was service as deputy U.S. Marshal during civil unrest at the University of Mississippi in 1962. Upon leaving the Border Patrol, he served as Regional Adjutant with the Department of Public Safety until 1998, where duties including advisor to the DPS Explorer Post in Corpus Christi. He also served in the Frontier Battalion of the Texas Rangers. Following his retirement from law enforcement, Bill occupied his time with several part-time jobs, and his favorite hobby—fishing in the Gulf waters.

Bill loved his Country, and especially loved Texas. He was a loyal and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served as Bishop of the Kingsville Ward. He also served as Boy Scout troop leader in Kingsville, and as worker in the Latter-Day Saint temples in Houston and San Antonio. Bill was a skillful cook and enjoyed creating delicious meals. Known to many as Papa Dunn, he was known and loved for his kindness to all, his southern manners, his famous storytelling, his unwavering strength and decency, and for his folksy wisdom.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kathryn Dunn Gieptner. He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, his sons William Ross Dunn Jr. (Ellen), Dr. Bryan M. Dunn (Tonya), John B. Dunn, and by 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Bill Dunn will be held on May 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Kingsville.