David Hall Jr., loved by a host of family and friends departed this life on November 25, 2025.  Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 12th from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Lucas Memorial Chapel 9010 Garfield Blvd.; Garfield Hts., Ohio 44125. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, December 13th at the same location and the family will receive friends one-half hour prior to service. Live streaming will be available at lucasfuneralhome.com.

 

David Hall Jr., affectionately known as “Big Dave,” the second of four children, was born to David Hall Sr. and Yvonne Boston Hall on Thursday, August 15, 1968, in Cleveland, Ohio, and transitioned on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

When you think about what it means to endure adversity, Dave’s life stands as a powerful testament. He walked through major loss, serious health challenges, and unimaginable tragedy, including the murders of his mother, brother, and nephew. Yet through every heartbreak, it was the love of his family that helped him persevere. After his mother’s passing, Dave was raised by his grandparents, Jerry and Oarstine Boston, and his great-grandmother, Bertha Hairston. He also found a loving home with his aunt and uncle, Lorine and Evans Martin, where his cousins became like siblings. He often spoke about growing up with Lamar, Myron, Karen, Paula, and Pamela—memories he carried close to his heart throughout his life.

Dave attended Cleveland Public Schools, and while a student at John Marshall High School, his passion for sports led him to try out and win a spot on the Lawyer’s football team, wearing the number #22 with pride for the remainder of his life. His love and knowledge of all sports made him a great conversationalist.

In 2005, Dave successfully achieved all state testing requirements to receive his Ohio High School Equivalency Diploma from the Department of Education. 

Dave worked in several establishments throughout his life, but his skills as a master carpenter gave him the most satisfaction. Dave could build, fix, and construct just about anything.  

A masterful chef, Dave loved cooking. He was known for making the best mouth watering fried chicken and fish, but his specialty was barbecuing. He took great pride in every detail from food preparation to food presentation.

Dave loved fashion, and his signature style was always topped off with a cool hat, whether it was an Apple Hat, a Fedora, or even his favorite Cleveland Browns cap; he wore it with passion and finesse. 

Dave had a fondness for the arts, including music, drawing, and dance. Few knew that he could even play the guitar. He was also a self-taught barber who specialized in incorporating designs into the haircuts. He was also a comedian who would make you laugh so hard that he brought you to tears!

When the world was experiencing the most catastrophic pandemic of our time, Dave shared his personal coronavirus story, in the 2022 documentary "Black COVID: The Rona".  

Dave enjoyed spending hours at Lake Erie in solitude, one with the water, but he also loved being with family, close friends, his children, and grandchildren. He had a very special bond with his “baby girl,” Khadijah, who stole his heart. And his sons all understood that special bond. 

He was a loving and caring person who took great pride in all his relationships. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. 

Dave is preceded in death by his mother, Yvonne Boston Hall, grandparents Jerry and Oarstine Boston, Aunt and Uncle, Lorine and Evans Martin; brother, Antoine D. Hall; nephew, Jarmario Freeman, and Cousin Jerry Boston III.

He leaves to celebrate his life and legacy: children David and Khadijah Hall, Rai’Shoun Morris; siblings Yvonka Marie and Darnell Sr. (Alisha) Hall, grandchildren David Rodney, Anaylah, and Azura Lee. Nephews Samario Hall Ford, Darnell Jr., and Israel Hall. Nieces Yvonne, Tayonna, Treasure, Great nephews Sebastian and Mason Hall Ford. Uncles Jerry Lee Jr, Jerome, and Kenneth Boston, Great Uncle Jesse A. (Yvonne) Hairston, Great Aunts Eva Mae Howell and Cleta Wilson, and a host of cousins and friends from near and far.