September 3, 1950 – December 5, 2024
KILL DEVIL HILLS — William Terry Dunn, known to some as WT or “Wild Thing,” passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 5, 2024, at the age of 74. He was born on September 3, 1950, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Clifford and Margaret Dunn.
WT graduated from Oscar Smith High School in 1968 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1968 to 1971. Known for his adventurous spirit, WT lived a life filled with excitement and curiosity. In the early part of his life, he was an avid traveler, always seeking the next adventure. After his time in the Marines, he opened Terry’s Pizza in South Norfolk, but his love for movement soon led him to sell the pizza shop. WT bought a sailboat and, with three friends, sailed the Intracoastal Waterway from Virginia to Florida, partying at every port along the way. Their journey ended in Miami, where WT sold the boat, bought a car, and headed to Hollywood. He wrote a screenplay and worked at a famous record store, bumping shoulders with numerous actors and musicians.
While in LA, he met his future wife and soon after moved back to Virginia, eventually settling in the Outer Banks, a place he cherished from childhood vacations. The Outer Banks provided the off-the-grid lifestyle that he longed for.
WT is survived by his brothers Cliff, Frank (Rebecca), Patrick, and Corey, and his sister Gayle (Leonard), his step-sisters Pam and Ester, and sister-in-law Whitney. He is also survived by his sons Eric (Rori), Clifford (Christi), and Deacon, and his grandchildren Azalea, Riley, Caden, Bowen, and Rafferty. He was further survived by numerous neices and nephews. WT was preceded in death by his brother Rick, who was his best friend and confidant, his mother Margaret and Father Clifford Dunn Sr. , and step-mother Effie “Babe”.
In addition to his love for adventure, WT was a successful entrepreneur who owned Action Painting and held a real estate license for many years. He had a sharp mind and a sense of humor that made him a beloved figure to those around him. His passion for poker and companionship inspired him to host a weekly poker game for over 20 years. WT began playing poker at the young age of 12, often playing with men much older than him. He had a gift for reading people, earning him the title of “human lie detector.”
WT lived by the motto, “Every day is Christmas.” To him, the spirit of giving and receiving wasn’t limited to one day of the year—it was a way of life. Known for his infectious smile and effortless charm, WT had the rare ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room. He was universally loved, respected, and admired for his generosity of spirit and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In true WT fashion, a celebration of life party will be held at his home, with the time and date to be determined.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
