Dr. Clovis Dunbar

Dr. Clovis Dunbar passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606, with Elder Darnell Peeler, Officiating. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513.

Affectionately known by his family as “Uncle Butch,” Dr. Clovis Dunbar was born in Douglas, Georgia, on July 24, 1947, to William and Mary Dunbar. A passionate football enthusiast, he graduated from Howard W. Blake High School, Class of 1966. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Special Missions Operations and achieving the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge in 1969.

Following his military service, Dr. Clovis Dunbar began his civilian career as an Armed Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy, serving in the Office of Secretary Hazel O’Leary in Washington, D.C. Pursuing his passion for craftsmanship and community, he later earned a degree in Barber Science and became the proud owner and operator of Leo’s Mane Unisex Salon. In addition, he shared his expertise as an instructor at the Robert Lewis Studio of Hair Concepts in Silver Spring, Maryland. Over the course of more than twenty-five years in the barbering industry, he was instrumental in establishing Maryland’s first barber apprenticeship program, mentoring and inspiring countless student barbers and stylists.

Dr. Dunbar’s ministerial journey began in 1991 being ordained a deacon at Second New St. Paul Baptist Church in Washington, DC, then as an Associate Minister. He was ordained an Elder in the COGIC Southwestern Jurisdiction on February 22, 2005. He and Lois were married on the same day and soon joined the Refreshing Spring COGIC in Riverdale, MD, under the leadership of Bishop James E. Jordan and were appointed Pastor for one of three Satellite Ministries.

He continued in this position for three years, and as the spiritual calling on his life grew stronger, so did his dedication to biblical studies. In pursuit of his faith and education, he went on to graduate from the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary, Columbia Union College & University, and Faith Christian University and Schools, earning a B.A. in Biblical Studies, a B.A. in Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctorate in Theological Studies and Leadership. Following his graduation, he devoted his time to teaching in the Jessup, Maryland, Prison Ministry and served as a Pastoral Leadership Instructor at Faith Christian University and Schools, where he continued to inspire others in their spiritual growth and service.

In 2010, Pastor Dunbar and his wife, Lois, moved to Riverview, Florida and founded the “Refreshing Spirits”, living by their motto: “Wherever we go, Whatever we do, Whatever we say, We are the Refreshing Spirits” derived from 1 Corinthians 16:18, For they refreshed my spirit and yours; therefore, acknowledge them as such.

On January 30, 2016, Dr. Dunbar was appointed District Superintendent for the Greater Tampa Bay District, Florida Eastern Jurisdiction Church of God In Christ, which he served for approximately three years.

In 2014, Margaret Palmer appointed Pastor Dunbar to the board of directors as a Chaplain, where he remained until his death. He was a member of the American Legion Carmichael LaGree Post 167, The Tampa Bay Legends, and the Men’s Club of Sun City Center, Florida.

Dr. Clovis Dunbar was preceded in death by his parents, Williams and Mary; brother, Bill; son, Shawn; high school sweetheart and wife, Jackie Rhodes.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lois; children, Courtney Deboise (Jamaar), Adam Dunbar, Jessie Hall (Sylvia), Tajuana Simpson, and Barry Adkins. His love of family was an immense part of who he was. He shared a strong bond with his siblings; Pastor Sheila Williams, Gail Timmons, Josepine Singletary, Phillip Dunbar, Mary Dunbar, God-brother and sister, Eric and Cynthia Daniels, uncle and aunt John and Bobbie Bagley; cousins, Gennie and Louis Bagley; twenty-seven plus grand and great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His favorite scripture is Mark 11:22, “Have faith in God, for verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.”

His favorite song was “Look Where He Brought Me From.”

Cards & Condolences can be mailed to 1008 Augusta Dr., Sun City Center, FL 33573. Donations accepted via CashApp $therefreshingspirits.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners

www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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