William Carleton Dunn

SIX MILE, SC – William Carleton "Carl" Dunn, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 92. Carl leaves behind his loving wife, Jacqueline "Jacqui" Cruden Dunn, just one week shy of their 68th wedding anniversary.

Born in Glens Falls, NY, on November 10, 1932, Carl was the son of the late Charles and Florence Dunn.

Baptized in the Episcopal Church, Carl had a thoughtful mind and a passion for exploring religious traditions. He and Jacqui were devoted members of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson.

His childhood sounded like something out of Mark Twain, with stories of carrying hot potatoes for lunch to keep his hands warm while wading through chest-high snow. As a teenager, he spent summers working as a lifeguard on Lake George, NY, and diving for artifacts for the Lake George Historical Society, unearthing Revolutionary War relics. A display featuring Carl and some of those relics can still be viewed today at Fort William Henry Museum. This early passion blossomed into a lifelong love of scuba diving and spearfishing all over the world.

In 1954, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the post-war occupation forces in Munich, Germany. His time in the Army became the source of many entertaining stories.

A lifelong learner, Carl pursued education at Skidmore College, the Adjutant General School at the University of Munich, and Union College. Even in his eighties, he continued expanding his knowledge by attending classes at Clemson University.

Carl's distinguished insurance career began with the Glens Falls Insurance Company, which led to a transfer to Columbia, SC, before the couple settled in Mauldin, SC, for two decades. He later joined Canal Insurance Company in Greenville, SC, where he dedicated fifty years of service. He became Vice President of Claims and ultimately retired as Senior Vice President – Legal Services.

During his esteemed career, Carl served on the board of numerous professional associations, including as President of both the Southeastern Claims Executive Association and the Piedmont Claims Association, as a member of the Board of Directors for SCCMA, and as National Advisory Council Chairman for the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters.

A devoted father, Carl ensured his children were well-equipped for life. He taught valuable life skills to help them become good parents themselves. He embarked on countless camping trips with his two sons and Boy Scout Troop 320, and provided them with educations at Clemson University. With unwavering pride, he supported his daughter from her first synchronized swimming meet all the way to winning national championships at The Ohio State University.

In 1972, the family began a cherished tradition of weekends on Lake Keowee as the lake was under development, first in a one-room cabin and later in the permanent home they built in 1989. Carl cherished sunset cruises on his pontoon boat with his family and jet ski rides with his beloved dog, Buddy. He was also an active member of the lake community, serving on the Board of Directors for FOLKS (Friends of Lake Keowee).

A captivating storyteller, he delighted in sharing tales with everyone around him. He brought humor and insight to conversations with his children and grandchildren, the Clemson Book Club, the Marina Bay Men’s Club, and, most recently, the hospital staff at Oconee Memorial. Carl's love for hunting continued throughout his life, particularly enjoying the camaraderie of bear hunting in the Upstate with the "Couch Team". Even at 91, he was still out in the woods this past season.

Above all, Carl's deepest love was for his family, whom he cherished profoundly.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. and Florence E. Dunn, and his sister, Judith "Judy" P. Lowicz.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqui, and their children: William C. “Reb” Dunn II and his wife, Mary Anne; Kevin L. Dunn and his wife, Sheli; and Jennifer “Jenny” J. Dunn.

Carl also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Andrew and his wife, Rachel; William III “Trey” and his wife, Heather; Kailyn and her husband, Benjamin; Lindsay, Kiana, Skylar, and Jackson.

A visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, June 11th, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Brown Funerals, 101 East North Second Street, Seneca, SC.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 12th at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church–Clemson; followed by committal at St. Paul’s Church – Pendleton and returning for a reception at Holy Trinity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church–Clemson for the restoration of St. Paul’s.