Joseph Randall Dunbar, most beloved son of Kenneth J. and Kathy (Sweitzer) Dunbar, went with peace and grace in the arms of Jesus on Jan. 2.
Joseph is survived by his most loving sister and best friend, Sarah (Michael) Harper of Richmond, Va. Mike was always more like a brother to Joseph. He is also survived by his devoted niece, Ashley Harper of Richmond, Va., whom he cherished dearly; five aunts he loved dearly and one in particular in Oak Ridge who loved to spend her spare time with Joseph; four uncles; and first, second, and third cousins too numerous to mention.
Our family is one of the closest there could ever hope to be.
God blessed us with Joseph in Clearwater, Fla., on Sept. 7, 1972. From Florida, he moved back to Cortland, Ohio, where the family was originally from. Joseph attended Maplewood High School in Mecca, Ohio.
In 2009, Joseph and his parents moved to Oak Ridge. Joseph was a member of Kern United Methodist Church in Oak Ridge.
Joseph had many talents, which included his livelihood of being a chef, which is rivaled by his love of music, being a musician and singer himself. He also had a talent for writing, drawing, and painting. Joseph was an adrenaline junkie and thrill seeker, never finding a roller coaster he did not like.
Joseph spent his free time as an advocate for people less fortunate. His love of people led him to become an advocate for human rights and his love of animals led him to work in animal rescue and welfare. Joseph also ventured into legislative advocacy, working on numerous campaigns over the years.
His short 40 years cut short his love of travel and seeking new adventures. He especially loved vacations traveling with his family.
Joseph is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Wade and Ethel Sweitzer of Johnston, Ohio, and his paternal grandparents, George Dunbar of Phoenix, Ariz., and Betty (Dunbar) Austin of Cortland, Ohio. Joseph is also preceded in death by six maternal uncles and one paternal aunt.
Another great love of Joseph’s life was his dog and his companion, Baxter Dunbar, his faithful friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and/or Paws to the Rescue Marion County Animal Shelter (PTTR) in Marion County, S.C.
Our hearts are very thankful for our pastor, Don Morris, and his assistant, Karen Spearman, both of whom Joseph thought the world of as he did all his church family.
A memorial service celebrating Joseph’s life will be held at Kern Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 3 p.m.
A memorial service will be announced in the future for a spring burial service in Ohio.
Weatherford Mortuary is handling the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
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