Claude Cary Dunning

Surrounded by his loving family at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Claude Cary Dunning departed his earthly life and into eternal rest on December 2, 2022. 

Born April 7, 1947, Claude grew up in Theodore, Alabama and was a proud Theodore Bobcat, class of 1965. He then attended the University of Southern Mississippi. His career in photography extended over 50 years, owning and operating a franchise of Delmar Studios in school and wedding Photography until opening The Dunning Company, where he specialized in school pictures, weddings, and military reunions. Claude also served on the Board of Directors of Saad Healthcare Services.

Claude was an avid golfer with a lifetime of 9 Hole in One’s and 3 Club Championships. He was a fierce competitor with his lifelong golfing buddies at Shell Landing and Heron Lakes. He loved raising roses, cooking, singing, and dancing. He enjoyed his outdoor activities including playing with his youngest two grandsons and teaching them how to golf. His most cherished accomplishment was his family and making memories even in the smallest moments. 

Claude is preceded in death by his father, Emmett Dunning; mother, Esther Jackson Dunning Loyd; stepfather, John L. Loyd; and brothers, Godfrey (Buggie) Dunning and Jerry E. Dunning. He is also happily reunited with John and Dorothy Saad, his in-laws and Marybell Moore. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy Saad Dunning, the love of his life for over 35 “wonderful” years and a proud father of four sons, John Cary (Amy), Jason Carl (Cinita), Paul Bradley (Alice), Leland Christopher (Alexandrea); one daughter, Claudia Cari-Ann, also known as “babygirl”; eight grandchildren, Kelsey Frantz (Michael), Makenzie McConnell (Zac), Kendall, Madeline, Kaitlin, John Cary, Wyatt, and Rogan; and three great-grandchildren, Lennox, Parker, and Callaway. 

He also leaves behind his sister in laws, Linda Dunning, Gayle Dunning, and Barbara Fulgham (Henry), brother in laws E.J. Saad, Alex Saad, Greg Saad (Jamie), Leland Saad (Teresa), and Jack Hartley (Debbie); a daughter in “love”, April Marcell; friend turned to family, Joyce Moore; his two lifelong buddies, Ted Montgomery and George McDonald; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and special friends. 

A special thanks to Nick Bosarge, Sarah Rumery, Jeff Davis, and the Saad Healthcare and Hospice Staff for their love and support throughout Claude’s journey. To Dr. Andrew Peterson, Dr. Eva Magiros, Dr. Brian Pitre, and Dr. John Mckee, the family cannot put into words their gratitude for their care and support. And lastly, to MD Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Physicians and Medical Team for over eight and a half years fighting alongside Claude and never giving up. Our family is forever grateful for their dedication to excellence and making a difference in Claude’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, Claude loved to support the following organizations: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center and St. Pierre’s Building Fund, P.O Box 145, Gautier, MS, 39553. 

Visitation will be Friday, December 9th, 2022 from 4-7 p.m. at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs, MS. Funeral services will be held at St Pierre’s Episcopal Church, 4412 Gautier Vancleave Rd. in Gautier, MS. on Saturday, December 10, 2022 with visitation from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and a service beginning at 11:00. Afterwards, a celebration of life will be held at Shell Landing Golf Club in Gautier to share fellowship and remember Claude. Golf attire is welcomed.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Mr. Claude Cary Dunning.