John Winnard Dunbar

John Winnard Dunbar affectionately known as (Papa, Pops, Johnny, or Jack) was born on August 29th, 1943, in Fairfax County, Virginia to the late Annie Ruth Knott Dunbar & the late Douglas Winnard Dunbar. He passed away on December 15th, 2024, at Mary Washington Hospital surrounded by family. He is survived in life by his wife Elizabeth Dunbar, his daughter Wendy Garrett, his son in law Hilton (Timothy) Garrett, his grandchildren Alana Garrett, Victoria (Tory) Garrett, Timothy Garrett, his great grandson Colton Frederick Clifford and his unborn great grandson who is expected to bless our family in April 2025. He is also survived by a sister Betty Reynolds, one brother Billy Dunbar and one-half brother Ken Grogan and preceded in death by two brothers Charles Dunbar and Richard Dunbar. John met the love of his life Elizabeth on April 1st, 1967, and he spent the next 5 years sweeping her off her feet. They were married on July 21st, 1972, and have been happily married for 52 years. John worked for Fairfax County Public Schools as a Heavy Equipment Operator where he retired June 9th, 1995, also worked as a tow truck driver for Willow Springs Towing. He was also a volunteer firefighter for Yorkshire Fire Department. Papa is the heart and the soul of our family and will forever be missed. He was a very loving person and would give the shirt off his back to help. He was always being silly, telling jokes and making witty comments and he was one of those people that even if you got mad at him you could not stay mad at him. Everywhere he would go he always would run into people he knows, and he always had a “girlfriend just around the corner.” His favorite things to do were fishing, bowling, playing baseball, coaching softball, going to the racetrack, and spending time with his family. No words can describe the pain that we are all feeling, but to know that you are no longer in pain and have reunited with your family in Heaven brings us peace. His memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. Condolences, comments, and photographs may be shared below. Family and friends will gather for a Visitation on Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center St., Manassas, VA 20110. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Pierce Olde Towne Funeral Home, 920 West St., Manassas, VA 20110. Burial will then follow at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA 22042.

John Winnard Dunbar

August 29, 1943 - December 15, 2024