Howard Dunbar Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Howard R. Dunbar, 86, passed away on March 13, 2024, at NHC. Howard grew up in Limestone, however resided in Johnson City for most of his life. Howard attended Emory and Henry College and was a 1961 graduate of the University of Tennessee Law School; Howard was undeniably a devoted Volunteer fan.

Howard was a long time Methodist and belonged to Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Johnson City. A beloved member of the congregation and rooted in the community, he also made friends everywhere in his travels throughout the United States and abroad, a testament to his shining and magnetic personality.

Howard was the oldest child of the late Moody and Edith Dunbar of Limestone and was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Dunbar in 2023. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Dunbar; his daughter, Dawn Dunbar Young, and her husband, Ronnie; his son, Warren Dunbar, and his wife, Beth; step-daughters Jennifer Tarquinio and her husband, Mike, and Julie and her husband David; Melissa Young, Wendi Minutolo and her husband, Chris, Katherine Dunbar, James Dunbar, Nick Tarquinio, Chapman and Lowe Silander and their children; Perry and Chapman III, Ashley Silander Kleppe and her husband Tyler, their child; Harrison, Julie's children; Will, Sam, and Caroline; and great-grandchildren Everett, Peyton, and Jasper Minutolo, Harrison, and others; brother Stanley Dunbar; and several nieces and nephews.

Howard followed in the footsteps of his father, living a generous and fulfilling life of love and laughter, telling the best stories, and appreciating a good joke. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed his adventures of deep-sea fishing aboard his trusty vessel 'The Happy Hooker'. Howard earned a storied career practicing law, representing the first district of Tennessee in the 86th General Assembly State Senate of Tennessee and along with his brother and sister, a successor to his father, Moody Dunbar's canned pepper empire. Howard was an honored member of the International Rotary Club located in Johnson City, for over 40 years.

While at NHC, he became a favorite of the staff there who cared for him. Believing life was meant to be lived and experienced with your own two eyes, Howard's memory is a carousel of photos taken of cherished moments in his life. He will be missed by his friends and family greatly.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm in the chapel with Rev. Kenneth Lytton officiating.

Howard will be laid to rest on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 12:00pm at Monte Vista Memorial Park in the Sermon on the Mount Garden.

Honorary Pallbearers: Herb Rupas, Paul Poli, Jeff Anderson, Judge Keiner, Mike Tarquinio, David Silander, Lewis Houston, Greg Pielich, Chris Minutolo, Scott Cradic.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name at Wesley United Methodist church in Johnson City.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Dunbar family. (423) 610-7171.