Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 22, 2025

CHARLOTTE – Jackson Thomas “Tom” Dunn, Jr., 81, of Charlotte, died on Saturday, November 22, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family.

Tom was born and raised in Charlotte, graduating from Garinger High School in 1961. Inspired by familial ties with the Benedictine monks and priests of Belmont Abbey, he attended Belmont Abbey College, a formative chapter in his life where he forged lifelong friendships and met his beloved wife, Mary Miller of Aurora, New York. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and pursued graduate studies at Harvard University. These experiences instilled in him an enduring devotion to justice, humility and service.

Tom began his career as an assistant professor at the University of Georgia and East Carolina University before embarking on a distinguished legal career. He served as Senior Vice President at Northwestern Bank, followed by his tenure as Deputy General Counsel for Wachovia Corporation and later as a partner at Moore & Van Allen PLLC. Tom influenced banking policy, provided guidance to emerging leaders and was frequently sought for advisory roles on both national and international levels. His career culminated in his final public case, NC Harper v. Hall before the North Carolina Supreme Court, underscoring Tom’s incisive legal mind, disciplined wisdom and abiding recognition of the inherent dignity of every person and our shared responsibility to advance the common good.

Throughout his life, Tom brought joy to all who knew him. The Dunn home on Providence Road was renowned for its warmth, laughter and hospitality—host to legendary gatherings, pool parties and spirited croquet tournaments – accompanied by songs on their jukebox. Tom will be remembered as a man of exceptional intellect, quick wit, unwavering integrity and profound generosity.

Tom is survived by his cherished wife of over 56 years, Mary, and their three children, Jackson T. Dunn III (Annabelle), Michael Dunn (Stephanie) and Holland Dunn (David Farrar), as well as seven grandchildren: Caroline Dunn, Emily Dunn, Gray Farrar, Marguerite Farrar, James Farrar, Lulu Dunn and Libby Dunn.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC.  The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Memory & Movement-Charlotte, 411 Billingsley Road, Suite 103, Charlotte, NC 28211 (704.577.3186) and St. Patrick Catholic Church, 299 Main Street, Aurora, NY 13026 (315.364.7197).

The Dunn family extends their deepest gratitude to Memory & Movement-Charlotte, Will Thach of Hallmark Homecare, The Sanctuary-Cotillion, Via Health Partners-Hospice & Palliative Care and friends and care partners whose remarkable support remained a source of comfort and strength.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.