Russell L. Dunbar was born August 5, 1938 in Xenia Ohio to the late Paul L. Dunbar and Grace Mchortor Dunbar. His brothers and sister were the late Elliot, Gene and Ann Dunbar. He was a product of Greene county public schools and attended East Lincoln High School.

He enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served his country Honorably. After over twenty years of dedicated service, he retired as Petty Officer First Class. Also, he was employed by N.A.R F, at Naval Air Station JACKSONVILLE (NASJAX) having retired in 1987 after many more years of service.

On June 17, 1969 he was united in holy matrimony to the former Miss Lena L. Smith and they were blessed with 54 years of marriage.

On November 9, 2023, Russell L. Dunbar was called home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene Dunbar and Elliott Dunbar; sister, Ann Dunbar; sister-in-law Ciara Fouse. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years, Mrs. Lena L. Dunbar; beloved son Willie Boggan Dunbar; his grandchildren , Bianca Boggan and Camille Boggan ;great-grandchildren , Anthony Geddes , Christopher Boggan , Lauryn Glover , London Boggan and Nicholas Glover; brother-in-law ,R.D Smith Jr; sister-in-law , Willie Mae Dunn; Nieces, Bonnie Cook, Connie Fletcher , Judy Willis ;Nephews, Ronnie Dunbar and Paul Dunbar; a number of other nieces ,nephews, cousins, family and friends