Joseph Glenn Dunn, Sr.

Joseph Glenn Dunn, Sr., 94, passed away peacefully at his home on December 29, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born on October 15, 1931 in Chatham County, the son of George Thomas and Beulah Lloyd Dunn. After graduation from Bonlee High School, Joe proudly served in the US Army stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. He graduated from Asheboro Business College and other than his military service, Joe lived his entire life in Chatham County.

Ever fascinated by anything automotive, Joe began his career with Brown’s Auto Supply. Always the entrepreneur, he started his own business, D & S Auto Supply, Inc. with Jack Sipe. Sipe eventually left the partnership, and Joe continued to grow the business. In the mid-1970s, Joe partnered with General Parts, Inc to become one of the first Carquest distributors. He operated D & S Auto/Carquest until he sold the business to Carquest in 2002, where he proudly worked until the age of 77. Through D & S, he provided numerous job opportunities to many young men in the community; many of whom are still part of his business family. He believed deeply in the dignity of hard work and showed by example that effort, persistence and dedication matter.

A man of true faith and daily devotions, Joe was a lifelong member of Sandy Branch Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities. He was a man who delighted in good conversation and never missed a chance to tease, always with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. Laughter came easily to him, and he loved nothing more than connecting with everyone in meaningful, often lighthearted conversation. He had a lifelong passion for classic and antique automobiles, especially his beloved 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air. Purchased new, the car held deep sentimental value. Though he let it go once, he later found it again fully restored and proudly bought it back, a testament to his appreciation for craftsmanship, history, and things worth holding onto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary Gilliland Dunn, and his son, Joseph “Glenn” Dunn, Jr. The youngest of six siblings, Joe was predeceased by his brothers, Shelton Dunn, Ray Dunn, and his sisters, Mae Dunn Laughon, Mannie Dunn Emerson, and Georgia Dunn Moore.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet Dunn Frantz, her husband, James Spencer Frantz, Jr.; grandchildren, James Spencer Frantz III, and his wife Claire, Mary Frantz Roberts and her husband, Andy, Joseph “Jay” Glenn Dunn III, and his wife Erica, and Andrew Snider Dunn; great-grandchildren, Lillian Reid Frantz, Blaine Lanier Roberts, and Elizabeth Dixon Frantz. Joe’s unwavering love and devotion have had a profound impact on his entire family including several nieces and nephews, whom he cherished and treated with deep affection.

The family is deeply grateful to Kay Lopossay, Ryan Gaines, and Carmen Petty for their steadfast support and genuine care, and to the staff of UNC Chatham Hospital for their professionalism, compassion, and dedication.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at 11 am, at Sandy Branch Baptist Church in Bear Creek. Visitation will follow service in the activities building. Reverend Dr. Jimmy Brown will be officiating the services. 

Joe leaves a legacy of love, strength, compassion and hard work that lives on in each of us. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sandy Branch Baptist Church (715 Sandy Branch Church Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207) honoring Joe’s lifelong membership, generous spirit, and unwavering faith.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Dunn family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com