David Earl Dinkins Sr.

David E. Dinkins Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, was born on January 11, 1945, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Horace and Josephine Dinkins. He attended and graduated from high school in Mobile, Alabama, before embarking on a career as a professional chef. David retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service at the NCO Club at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Damon’s Restaurant. He took great joy in cooking for his family and friends, who lovingly blamed him for the weight they all gained—especially his grandchildren!

David was a faithful member of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church until illness made it difficult for him to attend. He served his church with unwavering commitment as a member of the Usher Board, the Male Chorus, the Love and Action Committee, and as a distinguished Deacon on the Deacon Board.

On January 12, 2025, David departed this life unexpectedly at Miami Valley Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Josephine Dinkins; his son, Bryant Dinkins; brothers, Jacob Dinkins and Harris Dinkins; sisters, Idonia Jones and Lillian Barbara; and granddaughters, Asia Blanks and Danielle Bolden.

David leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 37 years, Kimberly; his sons, David Dinkins Jr. (Nickole) and Shawn Blanks; daughters, Katina Banks and Adrienne Barnes (Donte); brother, Fred Dinkins (Kathy); sister, Mary Horne; mother-in-law, Mary Blanks; brothers-in-law, Johnny Blanks, Anthony Blanks, and Gregory Blanks (Shay); sister-in-law, Donna Simmons (John); grandchildren, Devon, Aaron, Lee, Tyreese, Amiya, Tyrone, Ariana, Derrick, Jacob, John, Zyanne, Calvin Jr., Aniyah (Kaysie), Grace, Thomas, and Darris; and great-grandchildren, Carlea, Devon Jr., Aerial, Amirrah, Amir, and Bracken.

He will also be deeply missed by his favorite nieces, Rene’ and Christie; his best friends, Reverend Jackie Robinson, Larry Hutchins, Mathew Monie, William Austin, and Anthony Mitchell; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Services will be held at Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church on Tuesday January 21, 2025, at 11:00am. 

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