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