Dwight F. Datcher

Dwight F. Datcher departed this life on Saturday, November 23, 2019, with family by his side in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on August 5, 1952 to Harry and Jean Datcher in Washington, DC. Dwight was the oldest of four children. Dwight’s passion for sports led him to become a basketball player at the high school and collegiate levels, which propelled him into coaching and ultimately administration. He played basketball for St. Anthony’s High School where he would later become the head coach of the boy’s program. Dwight graduated from Roger Williams University, where he was a member of the Men’s Basketball team and currently ranks sixth on the all-time scorer’s list. Dwight received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1974. He would also go on to coach the university’s men’s basketball team, become the Athletic Director and later be inducted to the Athletic Hall of Fame. During the 1988 Olympics, the U.S. Olympic Association named Dwight an assistant men’s basketball coach. Dwight had stints at Georgetown University as an assistant coach for men’s basketball as well as both an assistant and associate athletic director. He also held athletic director positions at the University of the District of Columbia, Howard University and Wheelock College where he was also Vice President for Student Success. Dwight was so much more than his work. He also had a love of music and singing. Dwight sang with The Last Call and, later, the doo-wop group, the Orioles. He sang bass with his father, Harry Datcher, for the Washington Seniors Wellness Center. Singing in the church choir also brought joy to him. Most recently, he supported his nephew, David Powell, in the Men's Day Choir at First Baptist Church in Washington, DC, while singing alongside his brother, Gary Datcher. Additionally, Dwight loved traveling with his wife, Cornell, and playing golf on a regular basis. Dwight loved spending time with his family; including playing Santa every year at the annual Christmas party as well as hosting the annual family and friends cookout at their home. His mother, Jean Elizabeth Datcher, preceded Dwight in death. He is survived by his father, Harry Datcher; his wife, Cornell Burke Datcher; his two daughters, Chantee Datcher and Monikka Datcher-Wright (Anthony) as well as three stepdaughters, Wanda C. Harrell, Kimberly Harrell-Mills (Troy) and Shontese Harrell-Ford (Wayne); four grandchildren, Alijah Wright, Tekhysha McKoy, Talaya Ford and Kevin Ford; his three siblings, Gary Datcher (Debra), Shaketa Datcher and Micah Datcher (Rumesha); as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dwight F. Datcher please visit our Sympathy Store.