Dr. Thomas Scott “Tommy” Dunavant, Jr., 81, of Ripley, TN, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023. A devoted family man, he is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ann Hutcheson Dunavant, his son, Mike Dunavant, his grandson, Hutch Dunavant, his younger brother, Dr. Wayne (Teresa) Dunavant, several beloved nieces and nephews, and his loyal dog, Benny. He was preceded in death by a son, William Scott Dunavant, a daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Kelly Dunavant, and his parents, Thomas Scott Dunavant, Sr. and Laverne Abernathy Dunavant. A Doctor of Pharmacy, Tommy was co-owner of Mays-Dunavant Pharmacy in Ripley, where he served as a friend and healer to many in the community for more than 40 years before his retirement in 2012.
After his graduation from the University of Tennessee College of Health Sciences in 1965, he joined the United States Army Medical Service Corps in 1966 and received training at Fort Sam Houston, Brooke Medical Center, Camp Bullock, and Lackland Air Force Base. After being promoted to Captain, Tommy was stationed in Germany and then Belgium, where he was assigned to NATO/SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) and served as the commanding officer of the 196th Station Hospital Medical Detachment, which consisted of all enlisted medical personnel from 17 allied countries. He concluded his military service at the rank of Major, and was awarded several medals and service ribbons, including the U.S. Army Combat Medical Badge, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, and the NATO/SHAPE Medal of Merit. Tommy was a proud Veteran who always supported the best ideals of our nation with passionate and unwavering patriotism.
Tommy also had a strong sense of duty and service to make his local community better. He was an Eagle Scout, and was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America in West Tennessee. He was a Master Mason in the Ripley Masonic Lodge #630, a Shriner, and a Gideon. He served his community as an elected public official for multiple successive terms, first as a Ripley City Alderman and later as a Lauderdale County Commissioner. A lifelong member of the Ripley First United Methodist Church, Tommy served on the Church Administrative Board and Finance Committee, as well as the president of the Loyal Sunday School class and an Usher during Sunday morning worship.
Tommy was beloved by all for his outgoing and gregarious personality, and his generous and gentle spirit. He was an avid dog lover, and had many loyal canine companions over the years. Most importantly, he was a Son of the One True King, a sinner saved by grace through faith in The Lord Jesus Christ. He will be greatly missed by many family members, friends, colleagues, and the community.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Ripley First United Methodist Church on Monday, October 16, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ripley First United Methodist Church, with burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Ripley. Garner Funeral Home of Ripley has charge of the services.
