James Wayland Dunn

Dr. J. Wayland Dunn of Charlotte Court House, Virginia, departed this life on March 16, 2016, at the age of 83. He was preceded in death by his father, Ryland Dunn, and his mother, Belle Dunn. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Jackie W. Dunn; daughter, Courtnay M. Dunn; daughter, Samantha G. Miller and husband Albert; stepson, Christopher A. Thackston, and wife Mitzi; 8 grandchildren, Wayland “Gage” Peregoy, Dakota James Peregoy, Faber Miller, Ethan Miller, Jocelyn Miller, Mikayla Miller, Derek Thackston, and Clint Thackston.
Dr. Dunn was born in Southampton County, Virginia on October 6, 1932. He graduated from the University of Richmond with a B.S. in 1954 topping the Dean’s List each year. He was also elected to Gamma Sigma Epsilon and Phi Beta Kappa during that same year. He attended the Medical College of Virginia from 1953 – 1957 to earn his M.D. degree. During the years 1957 -1958 he completed his internship at Winchester Memorial Hospital. From 1958 – 1960 he began his private medical practice in Southampton County. In 1960 he came to Charlotte County and began a private practice that spanned 53 years. In addition to his private practice he was the medical examiner for Charlotte County and Campbell County, as well as serving as jail physician for Charlotte County jail for many years. He was the medical director for 23 years for Britthaven Nursing Home in Keysville, Virginia, which he started along with his wife Jackie. Britthaven eventually became Wayland Nursing and Rehabilitation as an honorary title from years of dedicated service.
In addition to all of these professional achievements, Dr. Dunn proudly served his community over the years as a member of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, Chairman of the School Trustee Electoral Board, Mayor of Charlotte Court House, member of Crossroads Services Board, member of the Central Virginia Health Systems Agency Board, member of the State Board of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse, member of the Charlotte County Planning Commission, Medical Advisor to Charlotte County Rescue Squad, and past president of the Charlotte County Ruritan Club.
He always remained steadfast to serve the people of Charlotte County despite many offers over the years to practice elsewhere. He made a lasting impact on all our lives, and as one person said, “modern in his practice but always a country doctor in his heart.” It was truly a privilege and an honor to care for my father in the home he loved so much over the past two years. This was only made possible by my mother, Jackie Dunn. There are no words to express how much you will be missed. “We love you,”– Your family.
Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery, Charlotte Court House, Virginia, on Sunday, March 20, 2016, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Alzheimer’s Disease Association website or call the National Hotline @ 1-800-272-3900.