John Dunlap Obituary in Gastonia at Costner Funeral Home

Obituary For John Dunlap

John “Mack” Dunlap, 80, passed away peacefully at home following a valiant battle with illness and was welcomed into his heavenly home on January 23, 2021. His devotion to family and firm belief in God supported him throughout his journey.

John was born to the late Leroy and Emma Sims Dunlap on March 2, 1940 in York, SC. He was a devoted member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for many years where he served as a Deacon, member of the Brotherhood, Men of Distinction and Combined Choirs, Sunday School Teacher, Adult Sunday School Superintendent, bus driver and custodian. He dedicated countless hours in support of his local community and was President of the Victory Neighborhood Watch. John was a retired Supervisor at Ithaca Industries where he worked for over 20 years and was co- owner of Esther’s Flowers for 30 years.

John was blessed with a loving family. He married Esther Rhyne Dunlap on December 25, 1961 in Gastonia, NC. He helped raise his children with discipline, humility, and a strong work ethic.

John was dedicated and committed to God, his family, his church, and his community, He was loved and respected by many and will be dearly missed by his loved ones who celebrate his life. John is survived by his wife, Esther Dunlap; his sons, Eric Dunlap and Antoine Dunlap (Tonya); his daughters , Shasta Roseboro (Elbert) and Deidra Dunlap-Reid (Al); his goddaughters , Terronna Ross (affectionately known as “Toe”) and Fran Collins (affectionately known as “Tee”); his grandchildren, Ryan(Jessica) Dunlap, Zion Dunlap, Joshua Reid, Christina Reid, Isaiah Reid, Markeya McCray and Aaron Roseboro; his great -grandchildren, Zoe Dunlap, Elijah Hart and Marley Dawkins; his sister, Dorothy Williams(Claude) and brother, William Sims. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Emma Sims Dunlap; his brothers, Willie Dunlap and Billie Davis; his sisters, Mary Tate and Jean Iola Brown.

In addition, John leaves to cherish his memories and legacy, special nieces, Michelle Williams, and Mary Toms; family friends and caregivers, Luther Longmire and Johnnie Derr; special friends, Ronnie Fox and Joyce Hoyle and lifelong friend, Terry Chisholm.

Arrangements Are As Follow:

Place Graveside Service Gaston Memorial Park South New Hope Road Gastonia, North Carolina

Date Wednesday, January 27, 2021 @ 2:00 P.M.

Public Viewing at Tabernacle Baptist Church Chapel 519 West 19th Avenue, Gastonia, North Carolina from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

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John was my supervisor at Ithaca . . . he was a sweet man & I loved him very much . Loved his florial business . He will be much missed .

Prayers of comfort to the family he will be missed dearly at tabernacle.We love you all. Edgar & Shannon Roberts

Prayers For The Dunlap Family, May You Find Peace And Strength For The Days Ahead Love The Mills And Little Family

Our heartfelt love and sympathy to Mrs. Ester Dunlap and family. Continuous prayers extended during your time of loss. Sending love all the way from Florida. Leroy, Vernetta, Trevor, Taylor, Tyrhan, and Tahlia Lloyd

Sending my thoughts and prayers to the Dunlap family. May God give you peace and comfort you through the loss of your loved one. Shanda Carroll Crawford

My condolences to the entire Dunlap family with the loss of John, a wonderful person and good friend. All Blessings! James (Jim) Miller

So sorry for your loss.E4ES

To Esther and the extended Dunlap family our love and prayers go out to each and everyone of you at this most difficult time in your life. I pray God's peace and strength upon you guys today and always. Mr. Dunlap will always be remembered, he was one of my first Sunday School teachers. He was always kind and serious about the work of the Lord. Mere words alone cannot express how you guys are feeling right now,but I truly believe God will strengthen your hearts and minds as the days ahead go on without him. Stay encouraged in Jesus name I pray. Love always and forever Diane McMillan.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dunlap family. Many fond childhood memories flood my mind growing up with Aunt Esther and Uncle Mack during the season my dad served as pastor of Tabernacle. He was a down to earth Christian gentleman. I will always remember his warm greetings. May God bless and keep you all!!
Dr. James Todd Worthy

Sorry sorry to hear of Deacon Dunlap's passing. The family is in my prayers.

To the Family of Mr. John Dunlap, thank you Esther for you and John being a part of the village that raised me. You are in my prayers and know that I love you all.

To Ester Dunlap and family John will truly be missed. Was. Kind and humble person. You'll are in my 🙏🏼May God be with you through this.VirginiaTBarnes

Esther and the Dunlap family I'm so sorry for your loss. Mr John was very humble man all those years at TBC I will keep y'all in my prayers
LaShawn Adams

We were so sorry to hear about Mack. We love you Esther; you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you as only He can. Lloyd, Dodi and Clint Beaver