Celebrating the Life of David Dunton, Jr. Sunrise: June 7, 1927 - Sunset: May 30, 2021. Monday, June 7, 2021 - Eleven O'Clock in the Morning. Mount Olive Memorial Garden, 3666 Deans Bridge Road, Hephzibah, Georgia 30815. Reverend Dr. George L. Brightharp, Officiating.

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
Sunrise June 7, 1927 - Sunset May 30, 2021
V
Monday, June 7, 2021 \ Eleven O'clock in the Morning
MOUNT OLIVE MEMORIAL GARDEN
3666 DEANS BRIDGE ROAD
HEPHZIBAH. GEORGIA 30815
Reverend Dr. George L. Brightharp
Officiating
THE LEGACY OF
7 7927- StfySO. 2027
Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of
good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.
Titus 2: 6-8
On May 30,2021, Mr. David Dunton, Jr, after a life of showing integrity, dignity and sound speech,
peacefully departed this life, surrounded by his family.
David was bom on June 7,1927 in Edgefield County, South Carolina to the late David Dunton, Sr. and
Frances Dunton. David was the eldest of six children. He was educated in the public schools of Edgefield
County.
At an early age, David confessed to the Lord Jesus and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church. After
moving to Augusta, Georgia, he joined Tabernacle Baptist Church where he was a member for over 50
years.
Affectionately known as Mister D, David attended South Carolina State University for two years before
being drafted into the U.S. Navy. After completing his military service with an honorable discharge, he
moved to Augusta and started his career as a Master Barber. David would say he was a barber all his life,
as he was a Master Barber at just seventeen years of age. During his early years, David was selected to be
a barber at the Augusta National Golf Club. He cut the hair of multiple celebrities, dignitaries and men of
distinction throughout his years as a Master Barber. He also worked at Fort Gordon, where he split his
time between both locations to serve military personnel and a multitude of citizens of the CSRA.
David was a gentle, but strong man! In 1962, he opened his business, Dunton Barber Shop, during a time
of racial unrest and discrimination. David mentored many young men over the years and his shop served
as a business incubator of sorts. Several barbers in the CSRA were able to attain their barbers license
thanks to Davids help and instruction. As the oldest working black barber in Augusta, David continued
to serve customers until his health failed in 2021 - over 59 years.
He was married to Doris E. Gaines and to that marriage three children were bom, Dianne, Deborah and
Bernard. Later, he was united in marriage to Bessie P. Dickerson and was blessed with five children,
Dealynn, Reginald, Damian, Angela and Michael.
His parents, his wife, Bessie Dickerson Dunton and three brothers - Rufus Dunton, Thomas Dunton and
James Dunton, predeceased David.
David leaves many to cherish his memory and to thank the Lord for the gift of his love and
companionship. He leaves three siblings, Ella Mae Bates, Julian Dunton, Barbara Washington; children,
Dianne Murphy, Deborah Smith, Bernard Dunton, Dealynn Fryer (Willie), Reginald Dickerson, Damian
Dickerson, Angela Christiansen (Nicholas), Michael Dickerson (Yemeira); adopted sons, Gregory Cobb
and Johnny Stephens; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
The Order of Service
The Reverend Dr. George L. Brightharp, Officiating
Medley of Music
Scriptures
Old Testament---------------------------------------------------------------Rev. Sonya London
Tabernacle Baptist Church
New Testament------------------------------------------------------------Wm- Quincy MurPhy-IU
Prayer of Comfort-------------------------------------
Solo--------------------------------------------------
Instrumental
- Rev. Wanda Richardson
Tabernacle Baptist Church
----------Oscar Bates, Jr.
Tributes/Remarks
Dr. Ronald Brown, Sr.
Johnny Stephens
Lawrence Bennett
Michael Dickerson
Church Member
Barbershop
Friend
Family Member
Silent Reading of the Obituary
Acknowledgements----------------------------------------------------------Jennifer Morgan
Solo
"The Center of My Joy "
Russell Joel Brown
Eulogy
Rev. Dr. George L. Brightharp
Committal
Benediction
Reginald Dickerson
Johnny Stephens
Willie Fryer
Marcus Amos
Gregory Cobb
Tony Martin
A Better Place
Theres a place Ive never seen,
Beyond this world we know.
A place Ive only heard of,
But someday hope to go.
Its not on any map.
There are no roads to take me there.
But its a place of perfect peace,
Where hearts are free from care.
And though I understand
Some may be saddened when I leave,
One day we all will meet again.
Thats what I believe.
When its time to travel there,
I think Ill wear a smile.
Ill say good-bye to those I love,
But only for a while.
Knowing there are others
Who have traveled there alone,
Who cannot wait to greet me
And to whisper, Welcome home.
Dear Family and Friends,
The bible says that the righteous will inherit the Kingdom of God. God blesses his
children with the gift of long life. My Grandfather lived a long healthy life. He lived to
see his great grandchildren. That is a blessing from God. To those that are sad and crying,
remember the good memories that you shared and know that he is in a better place now.
Written by Kenneth Smith II (on behalf of the great-gran
Special Thanks To:
The physicians and staff of the Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital
Reverend Dr. Charles E. Goodman, Jr and the staff of Tabernacle Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. George L Brightharp, Mt. Canaan Baptist Church
Acknowledgments
Your presence today confirms our belief that our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather loved
and cared for all. We gratefully acknowledge with sincere appreciation your comforting
expressions of sympathy, hospitality and acts of kindness during our hours of bereavement.
Family of David Dunton, Jr.
Arrangements Entrusted To:
G.L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary
614 West Avenue
North Augusta, SC 29841