Eric Lamar Dunbar

Dunbar, Eric L. 55 of Minneapolis, passed away on April 17, 2023. Memorial Service, Monday, May 1, 2023, 11 AM with visitation one hour prior at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith period now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing - II Timothy 4:7-8 Eric Dunbar was a caring son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who left this world suddenly on April 17, 2023, at the age of 55 years, passing in his sleep. Though challenged with various medical issues in recent years, Eric remained a beacon of light and showed his courage with his engaging smile and good-natured conversation. This Man About Town, many may call him or even a social butterfly, Eric was much more. A connector, an avid cultivator of relationships and a dear friend. Eric made relationships his business both personally and professionally. The not so simple pleasures in life brought great joy to Eric - human beings. He loved people!! Eric had an uncanny ability to connect with people regardless of position, age, race, or gender. His pleasant personality and fun spirited soul was contagious to everyone he met. His natural abilities and thoughtful inclination to serve and look out for EVERYBODY, this masterful handshaker was often thought of as the "Mayor of Minneapolis." Eric Lamar Dunbar entered this world on October 28, 1967, in Brooklyn, New York. Born to Barbara Dunbar and Benny Gilliam, Eric was educated in the New York public school system. He relocated to Minneapolis MN with his mother Barbara in 1987 and they joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church where Reverend Alfred Harris baptized him. Eric's journey as an entrepreneur began at an early age of 6 when he began selling the New York Daily newspaper to tenants in their Brooklyn apartment building. He would go to his local supermarket and buy stacks and return to deliver them door to door for price plus profit. His instinct to maximize profit moved him to develop his own partnership with the newspaper distributor, thus learning the art of salesmanship this led to him doing outstanding work as a salesperson and consultant in the men's department of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Joseph Banks, Herbert White and Target. He has clothed the Who's Who of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Later, he transitioned his outgoing personality and sales skills to the real estate industry and became a financer of mortgages at the Mortgage Lab. His continued success and connections to his cherished community stretched far and wide. He provided leadership, support, encouragement and mentorship to many budding entrepreneurs and colleagues. Eric was a member of the Monitors, one of the partners of the social event group, Sumthin' Special and a host of entertainment endeavors across the Twin Cities. He loved to share his enterprising mind with others while dabbling in multiple business opportunities until the end. Eric's family was especially important to him. He leaves to mourn his mother Barbara Dunbar, his son Lionel Lamar Dunbar, his granddaughter Yuli Renee Powell-Dunbar, and his brother Anthony Dunbar Sr. In addition, he leaves five sisters: Stephanie Aguda, Hope (Gary) Grice, Anjeanette Reed, Julia Gilliam, and Amia Coachman and two brothers: Benny Basil (Desiree) and Cory Young. He also leaves behind a huge extended family of aunts, uncles and a host of cousins and many, many dear friends who love and will miss him dearly. The juxtaposition of heartbreak and contentment, grief and gratitude is never easy. The many family and friends Eric leaves to this world will drift in and out of sorrow for as long as they need, but the joy that comes in knowing that their beloved Eric is free and at peace. Though we long for more time with him, the legacy and impact he leaves will forever be imprinted on our hearts, until we meet again.

Tributes

Eric Lamar Dunbar

October 28, 1967 - April 17, 2023

Tributes

Eric Lamar Dunbar

October 28, 1967 - April 17, 2023

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