If you can't be the biggest tree on the hill, be the best shrub in the valley...Plan your work and work your plan...Put God first, others second and yourself last...Be somebody...I wear the pants in my house but my wife wears the suspenders...These were many favorite sayings that my father would always use in his speeches. Daddy was firm and strict but fun and loving in his own way. He tried his best to provide for his family and continue to help in the community.

Ross Dunn was a funny man. If he thought it was right, no one could convince him that it was wrong.That was because he hardly ever stuck his foot in his mouth unless he knew he was right. He was always for the underdog. The person that the jobs discriminated against because of thier race or the woman who was passed over for a promotion because of her gender. He fought for those people. He fought for his community in Lanett, Alabama. He fought for his Alma Mater, Alabama State University. He supported the Boy Scouts of America, his church - Hall Memeorial C.M.E. Church, and local boys and girls clubs.  He was on many boards and he was a county commissioner. He worked in areas where he could make a difference. He was the man of many firsts...the first black county commissioner in Chambers County, Alabama; help start the Valley chapter of the NAACP; first black commissioner in Alabama to complete the highest level in county government education; and many many  more.

My fondest memories of my father was when we would go on trips and wherever we went, he always would recognize someone he knew. Even sometimes, he would be recognized and he wouldn't remember the person, but it was just like they had been talking everyday.

Daddy never wanted to show a lot of affection with us. I remember many times leaving Lanett on my way back to Arkansas...me holding back the tears...and I would say Daddy give me a hug. He would say, "Ain't no man suppose to hug no man!!!" I would say, "But you my Daddy!!!" I would hug him and kiss him on the cheek. Then he would say, "Don't you blow that horn when you go up that hill!" This was a little playful game that we would play. So when I would drive out the driveway and go up the hill, I would blow my car horn anyway.

Daddy was very special to me because he didn't make a big fuss when he found out that I was gay. He was disappointed because as all fathers wish, he wanted me to have a "normal" family and have kids. But when he did find out, he was very supportive. He wanted to attend my wedding, he interacted with my spouse, he would always ask about my spouse whenever we talked on the phone, and he would always say, "I am praying for you boy!' He never nagged me saying, "Why are you like that boy? I don't understand." He just did what he was supposed to do and that was pray for my safety.

My daddy went home to be with Jesus on March 13, 2005. He will surely be missed. I will always continue to remember him to be the strict, funny, loving, and supportive Daddy! So I dedicate this page of my website to his memory. I love you Daddy