Mr. Bobby Dunbar

Bobby Dunbar was born May 29, 1968 in Columbia, South Carolina. He was the youngest son of the late Margie Dunbar and proceeded through life as a wonderfully charismatic, energetic presence in the lives of all who knew him.

Affectionately known as “Big Bob”, his size and stature gained him notoriety in the world of athletics as he matriculated through Richland County School District One. It was at C.A. Johnson High School that he began making a name for himself on the football and track fields. An integral part of the indomitable force that became the Hornets defense, Bobby was a member of one of the largest defensive lines in C.A. Johnson’s football history noted by The State Newspaper in the late 80’s. Bobby continued his education at Knoxville College in Tennessee where he continued to hone his athletic abilities. Continuing his enthusiasm for sports, Big Bob competed and won the Tough Man Contest, a boxing tournament for novice amateur boxers, for two consecutive years. He boxed as a professional for two more years.

For those who crossed paths with Bobby, commonalities that resonated with the many were his ability to win a room with his wit and gifted storytelling. His anecdotes about past events from school, work or just life in general could garner tears of laughter. His sense of humor will be sorely missed.

After a long bout with illness, which he fought tooth and nail, Bobby “Big Bob” Dunbar succumbed and departed this life on December 18, 2018 at Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

In addition to his mother, Bobby was preceded in death by one brother, Albert Dunbar.

Bobby leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving and deeply devoted wife, Buffet Dunbar; three loving sons, Jawan Dunbar, Jayln Dunbar, and Jurnee Dunbar of Columbia, SC; a daughter, Shatara Davis of Columbia, SC; four uncles, Elijah (Patricia) Dunbar of Columbia, SC, Willie (Debra) Dunbar of Dalzell, SC, Jimmy Dunbar of Patterson, NJ, and Jacob Dunbar of Hopkins, SC; mother-in-law, Patricia (Kevin) Mims of Columbia, SC; father-in-law, Frank (Elaine) Mims of Columbia, SC; sisters-in-law, Frankie Mims, and Brittany Mims both of Columbia, SC; niece, Laniece McCoy; nephews, Roderick McCoy and Cameron Mims; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

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