Obituaries

David Keith Dunn

Photo of David Keith Dunn
David Keith Dunn, 52, of Forrest City, Arkansas passed away October 16, 2017, in Little Rock. David was born November 20, 1964, in Pine Bluff to Leonard K. Dunn and Sue Dancer Dunn. As soon as he could walk, he was outside 24/7/365, digging with sticks, throwing rocks, and learning first-hand about fire and blowing things up. His summer wardrobe consisted of shorts with lots of pockets; eventually he added underwear, then boots. He "grew up" in Pine Bluff playing baseball, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles with a group of boys who would become his lifelong best friends. And it was in Pine Bluff where David met the love of his life and best friend, Lorri Waymack. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where his two sons and two nephews later became his fraternity brothers. In 1986, David and Lorri got married and moved to Hot Springs. The family ultimately planted roots in Forrest City with their four beautiful children. David's professional background was rooted in banking, economic development, and politics. He worked for the Arkansas Industrial Development Commission as an industrial prospect manager and community development specialist. He was a community bank president for Union Planters Bank in Forrest City, and was the executive director of the Forrest City Chamber. He served three terms as a State Representative, where he served on Legislative Council, House Insurance and Commerce, and House Revenue and Taxation committees. Ineligible to run in 2010 because of term limits, David founded a government relations firm, Capitol Partners, where he enjoyed the opportunity to put his experience and knowledge to work every day for his clients. One of David's most recent achievements was being appointed to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity. As a lifelong Democrat, David was humbled and honored to represent the people from the Delta, and all of Arkansas, to make sure their interests were heard. He was a literal embodiment of making sure you have a seat at the table lest you end up on the menu. But of all his many successes and accomplishments, he was most proud of his amazing wife Lorri, their marriage, and their four wonderful children. David's life was guided by his strong personal faith in God, and by his love of the Catholic Church. David Dunn was a larger than life individual who loved his family and his friends unconditionally. He lived every single moment. It has been said that as soon as "Double D" entered a room, you might as well start laughing because something outrageous was about to happen. You might want to cover your ears, as well. No gathering of family or friends will ever be the same without him. A lifelong hunter and avid fisherman, he was always outside. Deer herds and duck flocks will benefit by his absence this upcoming season. In recent years, he began gardening in his backyard, where he was particularly proud of his harvests. David's life was way too short in calendar years, but the love and joy he brought to this world, and to his family, friends, and his work, will live on forever. He will be missed terribly, but with smiles as well as tears. David is survived by his wife Lorri of Forrest City, four children, Sunni Dunn of Little Rock, Ross Dunn of Little Rock, Jack Dunn and Susie Dunn of Forrest City; his sister, Debbie Becton (David) of Little Rock, one niece, Amanda Becton McClusky, and five nephews, Barry Becton, Jesse Becton, Wes Hewett, Jay Becton and Nick Becton. David had many lifelong friends who remained very close to him through the years; they were truly like brothers. He continued to make an untold number of friends throughout his adult life. He is preceded in death by his mother, Sue Dancer Dunn of Pine Bluff and his father, Leonard Keith Dunn of Little Rock. Acelebration of his life will take place October 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Boulevard, Little Rock, and a reception will follow at The 1836 Club, 1406 Cantrell Road, Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Francis County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 3002, Forrest City, Ark. 72336, or at www.arcf.org. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Published October 19, 2017

Upcoming Events