Joseph "Joe Lee" Levi Dunn, Sr.

Joe Lee Dunn passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, in his Columbus, GA home surrounded by his closest loved ones.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Justin Palmore officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 PM Friday, October 29, 2021 at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. For those who are unable to attend the service, it will be LIVE-STREAMED at https://calvaryga.com/joe-lee-dunn-funeral/ .

The college football defensive mastermind lived with dementia for close to a decade. He was born in Ozark, AL in 1946 to the late Joseph Orby and Mildred Dunn.  The family relocated to Columbus, GA when Joe Lee was four years old. He attended Arnold Middle School then progressedon to be an amazing three sport (football, basketball, baseball) athlete at Columbus High School. Dunn signed an athletic scholarship in 1964 to attend the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga. This in turn led him to his highest calling, coaching 42 seasons of the game he loved most, football. At the peak of his coaching career Joe Lee’s defense ranked number one in the country along with multiple other appearances in the top ten that followed. Gracing the history books as the founding father of the 3-3-5 defensive scheme.

Along with his success on the field, off the field his greatest accomplishment was the family he created. Susan Sparks Dunn, his wife of thirty-one-years and three children Kacey (Joshua), Ashley (Christopher), and Levi. These two manifested a wonderful life full of love, football, and family around the country as his career flourished. Joe Lee spent his free time as an avid reader, a collector of numerous mementos, and traveling the country to his favorite vacation getaways. After retirement from coaching, the most significant pass time became the hours spent with his seven perfect grandbabies; Hayden, Jaxton, Harlow, Kamdyn, Hawkin, Haddox, Luxin and the people he held closest to his heart. Teaching them life skills, and the importance of family as they grow. Along with these he is survived by his two sisters Rita and Regena (Alan) and multiple nieces and nephews. The most beloved husband, father, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend anyone could ever have. A wonderful 75 years with not a moment wasted.

In lieu of flowers contributions, may be sent to Calvary Christian Football at 7556 Old Moon Rd, Columbus, GA 31909.