Get to Know Us: Daniel Dunn, Funeral Director

With a minister for a grandfather and a deacon for a father, Daniel Dunn was no stranger to going to funerals in his youth. His mother told him that his first trip out of the house as a newborn was to his great-uncle’s funeral.

Although he was young, Daniel says, “I always loved how the funeral homes helped those grieving at the loss of their loved ones. The atmosphere was always formal but also loving and respectful.”

Funeral service was not his first nor is it his only career. While attending community college after high school, Daniel “was called to preach.” He enrolled in World Christian Ministries and began his study for the ministry, achieving a certificate in both Old and New Testament Studies with honors and a certificate in pastoral counseling. He was recognized for his work in local churches and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Daniel is a church-ordained and licensed preacher. He has pastored three local churches during his 24 years of ministry.

While preparing for the ministry, teaching, and preaching, Daniel worked full-time for Loomis Armored Services for ten years and for First Tennessee Human Resources Agency for five years.

“We may meet many people throughout our life’s journey, but there are some who can really make a difference,” Dunn says. “Those are the special ones.” One person who unknowingly had a profound impact upon Daniel’s life was David, a funeral director. Daniel met David while he was still in high school. Daniel won a writing contest about the dangers of drinking and driving, and the prize was a limousine ride to the senior prom from a local funeral home. David was the “chauffeur.” Daniel says, “David was a total professional and helped the event to be memorable. He impressed me with his demeanor and occupation.”

Years later, Daniel and David would meet again when Daniel’s father and grandfather passed away. David would be the funeral director undertaking the arrangements and preparations for the services. “I will never forget how caring, kind, compassionate, and knowledgeable David was. He truly helped me and my family at the time we needed help the most. If I could only help others as David helped us in our time of grief, then that is what I want to do,” Daniel says. “I think of him when I think of why I am in funeral service today.”



Daniel is a 2023 graduate of John A. Gupton Mortuary College in Nashville, Tennessee, and he is ready to serve families who call these mountains—and beyond—home.