Robert Dunn

Robert Randolph Dunn of Cornelius died Sunday, March 9, at his residence. Bob was born on December 15, 1946 in Akron, Ohio to Albert Wilkerson Dunn and Jane Ballard Dunn who pre-deceased him. Bob spent his adolescent years in Manila, Philippines, where his father was the President of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He attended and graduated from the American School in Manila and was the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Kingsmen, a rock and roll band he founded. In addition to the band, Bob found success in sailing. Before the age of 17, he purchased his own sailboat and became an avid sailor joining the Manila Yacht Club, racing competitively. Bob returned to the United States to attend Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC where he received a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics in 1969. He was a loyal alumnus and was involved in the school's Center for Entrepreneurship, as well as the Board of Paralegal Studies. Recently, he founded the Dr. Sid Gautam Scholarship for Entrepreneurs and also has a scholarship, through the paralegal studies program, founded in his name. He was given the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the school in 2013. Bob was proud that both his daughters graduated from Methodist University as well and will continue to maintain his legacy. Bob began his career in lending with American Leasing, which later became a part of Barclays Bank in Charlotte. He subsequently joined National Bank of North Carolina (NCNB), which later became Nations Bank and ultimately Bank of America. While at the bank, Bob was recognized by Hugh McColl as someone with a talent for resolving troubled credits and spent most of his tenure with the bank working in the special situations group. During this time period, Bob met Tim Finley and together they founded The Finley Group in 1985; a firm dedicated to providing expert counsel to companies experiencing financial difficulty. The Finley Group was one of the first firms in the country dedicated exclusively to this area of practice. In nearly three decades, The Finley Group has helped hundreds of companies overcome great challenges and improve their condition. In May, 2013 he was appointed by Governor Pat McCrory to the North Carolina Capital Facilities Finance Agency Board of Directors. Despite the demands of building a professional services firm, Bob was always a dedicated and loving father to his daughters, Dianne and Leslie. In 2004 he married the love of his life, Ann Stirewalt Dunn whom he had been friends with for over 20 years. Later in life Bob found extreme joy in being a loving grandfather. He spent many weekends playing in the park and making brownies with his granddaughter, Emory or putting together complicated Lego sets with grandsons, Harrison and Davis. He found happiness in those whom he held close as friends and family. Bob is survived by his wife, Ann Stirewalt Dunn of Cornelius, NC, his daughters; Leslie Dunn (Dave Lipscomb) of Cornelius, NC and Dianne Dunn Jones (Andra Jones) of Charlotte, NC; his bonus-daughter Amy Huggins (Lauri-Ann Barkley), of Concord, NC, and his brother-in-law; Edward Stirewalt also of Concord, NC, as well as, three grandchildren; Harrison, Davis and Emory. He is also survived by his father's wife; Theresa Dunn of Hilton Head, SC. A Celebration of his Life will be held Wednesday evening, March 12, at the Van Landingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207 at 2:30 PM on Thursday, March 13. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dr. Sid Gautam Scholarship for Entrepreneurs, a scholarship which he established at his Alma Mater, Methodist University, Advancement Office, 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311 or the Albert Wilkerson Dunn and Maude Wilkerson Dunn Scholarship Fund, which his father established in his grandmother's honor, at Duke University, Office of Alumni and Development Records, Duke University, Box 90581, Durham, NC 27708-0581. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Service Huntersville, NC is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com