Visitation: Friday, November 13, 2026
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
725 East McDonald Avenue
Eustis, Florida
Service Date: November 14, 2026
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church
725 East McDonald Avenue
Eustis, Florida
Obituary:
The Lord, in His infinite power, called His faithful son, Robert Lee Dunston Jr., home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the age of 93. Born April 9, 1933, to the late Robert Lee Dunston, Sr. and Lillian Dunston Kasl in Eustis, Florida, Robert lived his life out loud and on purpose, embodying an unapologetic faith and devotion as a husband, father and community servant. He was the eldest of three children.
Robert was a life-long resident of Eustis, Florida. He attended and graduated from Eustis Vocational High School. In 1953, Robert enlisted into the United States Army. He served in the Infantry and protected our country until 1955.
Robert had so many great attributes but the one thing that he is passionate about the most is his family. Robert united in Holy Matrimony to the late Dorothy Mae Grady Dunston and to this union, they carved out quite a wonderful and loving family. He has three daughters, Laurastine D. Lemon King, Donna Dunston Cuyler, and the Reverend Charlotte Dunston Williams. He has eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great great-grandchild.
At the age of 12 years old, Robert began his apprenticeship at the L. B. Moore Shoe Hospital in Eustis. In 1976, Robert became the owner of that shoe shop and named it – Dunston’s Shoe Hospital – the first black business in downtown Eustis.
This “sole” man, this “heel”er, this master cobbler, mastered the art of bringing our favorite shoes back to their original glory and given them a second life! But this is not a summary about what Robert did, it is about who he was… “Blessed and Highly Favored”! A renowned Man of God, an exemplary Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-grandfather, Great Great-grandfather and Businessman.
At Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church in Eustis, Florida, where he was a lifelong member, you could hear his distinctive voice giving praise to God over the other choir members and congregation. He also served as a Steward and Finance Committee member. He truly loved the Lord and all of God’s people.
In 2017, Robert was crowned GeorgeFest King of Eustis, Florida. He is only the second black man to hold this honor in the history of Eustis. He is called by some a Eustis icon. He has received many civic and community awards and has been featured in newspapers and magazines in Central Florida recognizing his craft and his love for his fellowman. His involvement in the community is something that he was truly passionate about. He has been a mentor to young men for many years. He has acted in the capacity of surrogate father, counselor, and teacher, giving life-lessons and trade skills to many young black men that found themselves in need of direction. But his love stretches beyond that of the black community; it touches all races and age groups.
In November 2019, Robert retired from the love of his business to share and enjoy the rest of his life with his wife Dorothy and family. Robert lived a thankful, grateful, and blessed life. His legacy will live on forever! May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 5-7PM at the church. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 AM at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, 725 East McDonald Avenue, Eustis with Presiding Elder Valerie J. Walker, officiating and Pastor Richard E. King, eulogist. Interment: Mount Olive Cemetery, Eustis with full military honors.
