George Dunbar, barber, record producer

George Leon Dunbar Sr., 67, a West Philadelphia barber and entrepreneur who produced and recorded two local R&B groups, and promoted businesses on Lancaster Avenue, died of cancer in Sun City, Ariz., on Wednesday, Dec. 26.

Over 40 years, Mr. Dunbar operated and worked in several barber shops along Lancaster Avenue, where his customers sought his advice on personal and business matters.

A fixture in the Lancaster Avenue business corridor, Mr. Dunbar was president of the Lancaster Avenue Business Association Community Development Corp. from 1987 to 1995.

"He was most known for his barber skill, but many folks sought his opinion," said Aisamah Muhammad-Muneer, a longtime friend and CEO of the Lancaster Avenue association.

Mr. Dunbar wore a suit to work every day, often with his ties and shoes in matching colors.

Mr. Dunbar was born on Feb. 9, 1945, in Richmond, Va. He was raised in Allendale, S.C., where he graduated from C.V. Bing High School. He came to Philadelphia in the 1960s, where he attended Tri-City Barber School.

Mr. Dunbar joined the Army and fought in the Vietnam War.

He later operated GeLeon Barbershop on Lancaster Avenue and worked in several other barbershops on the avenue over the years. He also owned a bar, California, My Way, on Baltimore Avenue in the 1980s.

In 1965, he married Hazel Dozier. The couple later divorced. He married Jeanette Marie Schofield in 1984. She died in 2012.

Mr. Dunbar "was very knowledgeable in the political arena. He wouldn't hesitate to share his concerns with the people in the community," said Muhammad-Muneer.

His daughter Lailah Leonté Dunbar said neighbors and merchants along Lancaster Avenue from 40th to 52d Streets referred to Mr. Dunbar as "the King" for his dedication to the area.

She said he moved to Sun City last year.

"My dad was a philosopher. His favorites were Henry David Thoreau and Khalil Gibran," his daughter said.

She said Mr. Dunbar also had a knack for recognizing musical talent and that he produced two R&B vocal groups, the Coalitions in the 1970s and Total Image in the 1990s. He also had ran a record label, Re-Dun Productions.

Peter Wilson, a neighborhood activist, said Mr. Dunbar also organized local talent shows and would scout the performers.

"He gave opportunities to local musicians," Wilson said.

A large mural, "Local Heroes," at 4238 Lancaster Ave. features Mr. Dunbar with about seven other community activists from the area.

"He also sponsored a three-year community scholarship program" helping college-bound students in the neighborhood, Muhammad-Muneer.

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Dunbar is survived by daughters Lisa Dunbar Graham Schwalenberger and Veronica Marie; a son, George Leon Jr.; four sisters; and a brother.

A viewing will be from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Greater Bible Way Temple, 1461 N. 52d St., followed by a funeral at 9. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, Collingdale.