Hueston Dunbar, Jr.

Houston Dunbar Jr. A son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, a confidant, a man. Through all of his identities one thing remains true, Jr was a kind, generous, loving soul; anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him knows this to be true. Born June 22nd, 1959 to Catherine Dunbar and the late Houston Dunbar, Houston Dunbar Jr was truly one of a kind. Houston, better known as Jr, or in his earlier years Junie, was educated through the Philadelphia school system and  graduated from Simon Gratz High School. Growing up, Jr was a hardworking teenager who knew the value of a dollar. One of his most memorable jobs was working at The Stand, where he was efficient, friendly, and committed. After leaving The Stand, he became an assistant Manager at Walt’s, a neighborhood bar. It was at Walt’s where Jr made countless meaningful friendships that would last a lifetime and surpass the walls that surrounded them. Closing time at Walt’s was always a treat when Jr was working. He had a saying that would get patrons to leave but made sure they were back the next day. His saying was “ Please move away from the bar. You don’t have to go home but you gotta leave here. Come again and bring a friend. We open at eight and don’t be late”. After leaving Walt’s Jr became employed at PCI pharmaceuticals where he remained for 22 years until his untimely passing. The most important thing to Jr was his family. His presence brightened our spirits anytime he walked into the room and a room without Jr just isn’t as bright. It was his laugh, his smile, his hugs, and you can’t forget his dance moves. Jr could dance anyone under the table, especially when he pulled out his signature move.  Jr was a playful person. He was known for his antics with his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. One of his favorite things to do was to ‘crack toes’. He would look for an opportunity when someone’s toes were exposed and catch the unsuspecting “victim” off guard to crack their toes which would result in a squeal of laughter and sometimes pain - ouch! If Jr, knew you, he knew your birthday. He was excellent at remembering birthdays and wouldn’t let a birthday go by without a card filled with money. Jr knew how to make everyone around him feel special, loved and seen. Jr was a true gift to this world and the impact that he’s had is permanent. We are truly honored and blessed to call him son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Poems:

                    To My Son JR

I thank you god for the time he gave you,

But it was still too soon.

I love and miss Hueston J.R. 

Just keep the light on, 

I’ll see you soon.

Love, Mom.

Dear Uncle J,

I wish you were here to read this. I wish we could laugh together just one more time about something funny that happened at an old family function. Most importantly, I wish that this didn’t happen to you but some things are out of our control. However, we can control how we remember you, not in pain, but as the light you are. A smile brighter than the north star and a laugh that roared louder than the red sea, you are irreplaceable. As we transition to a life without your physical presence, we uplift your legacy and spirit as testimony to all that you are; a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend but most importantly you were always YOURSELF. You encouraged others to share their own light, to be kinder, to smile harder, to dance longer, and love fearlessly. Although you did not have children of your own, you impacted the youth of this family more than words can describe. Thank you for loving us, motivating us, and always being there. We all have our own personal memories of our interactions with you, but we all experienced one thing for sure and that is you are one of the most generous, kind and humorous people to ever walk this earth. We celebrate all that you are now and forever. We miss you. We love you. Until we meet again, rest peacefully Uncle J.

With love from your nieces and nephews

Family

There’s a story that needs to be told

About the Love that this Family holds

Brothers and Sisters who Love and support each other to no end,

Always keeping it real, with a bond made of steel. We have the greatest memories and so much fun. It will continue for years to come.

Family, we’re never alone, just pick up the phone and tell me what’s wrong or meet me in the kitchen to sing, dance, or Pray

Love is our Legacy, we will overcome this pain

It’s what Mom instilled in us, again,again, and again!

Thank you Mommy and Daddy!

Our Brother

I’m so proud of you brother.

You mean so much to me.

I only wish you could look inside

My heart and really, truly see.

The love that lies within,

The thoughts that make me grin. 

The times you’ve been there, just to care.

Those times of triumph and of loss, 

And those times we were tossed.

Though, life has a way of tearing us down,

You’ve been there to encourage me to go for the crown.

You’ve helped me face my fears,

You’ve been there through the tears.

You’ve been my strength in tough times.

You’ve helped me to climb.

Climb higher in this life, than I’ve ever cared to go,

Because you believed in me and helped me to grow. 

You wouldn’t let me sit. You wouldn’t let me rest.

Thank you, my brother, for caring about me so.

Today, in this poem, I surely want you to know. 

I didn’t show it enough. How very much I love you.

Thank you my brother. You’ve been very, very, true.

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