Leslie “Bubba” W Dunson Jr
Apr 23, 1935 — Sep 7, 2026
Leslie W. Dunson, Jr. was a successful businessman, citrus grower, devoted family man, and a cherished friend everywhere he went, from Polk County to the Abaco islands. He spent countless hours in the orange groves of Polk County, where his love for the land and the citrus industry became an important part of his life and legacy.
Bubba was born in Winter Haven, attended Florida Southern College where he received a degree in Citrus and made life-long friends at Pi Kappa Alpha.
Bubba gave back to his community by sharing his time and talents in service to numerous organizations. Among his civic commitments, he served on the Board of Trustees of Winter Haven Hospital and the Board of Trustees of Polk Community College. He was also a longtime member of Parkland Baptist Church.
Outside of his work and community service, he enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing. More than anything, however, he treasured the time he spent with his family and his many wonderful friends. His generosity, easy friendship, and love for those around him will be remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L.W. Dunson, Sr. and Eva Plant Dunson; and his first wife, Barbara Jill Berthy Dunson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Curtis Dunson; son, Les Dunson III and his wife Ginny; daughters, Lisa Dunson and Laura Barben and her husband, John; step-daughter, Katy Pyle and her late husband Will, step-daughter, Stephanie Cox and husband Kyle; beloved grandchildren, Ashley Foster and her husband Will, Emily Mayers and her husband Brantley, Leslie Jack Barben, Mark Barben, Ashleigh Barben, Gary Cox, Tripp Pyle, Austin Pyle, and one great-granddaughter, Jill Foster.
There will be a private family service. A reception celebrating his life will be held at Venue 650, 650 Sixth Street SW, Winter Haven, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tree Ministries in his memory https://www.treeministries.org/donate.
