Solomon Espie, Jr. was born February 24, 1948 in Dallas, Texas, to Solomon, Sr. and Thelma Harris Espie. The family moved to Columbus, Ohio when he was an infant. He was a member if Centenary United Methodist Church.
Solomon was educated in the Columbus Public Schools and excelled in music and athletics. His track abilities garnered state wide recognition and awards. He graduated from East High School and was awarded a track scholarship to the University of Michigan. He became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. while attending there. In 1969 he married Waverly Hagey, two daughters were born to this union. He graduated from Michigan in 1970 and began a career in teaching. His passion for education was evident through his mentoring and influencing children for 40 years.
He moved to Dallas in 1985 and united with St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Sunrise Choir and Bible Study facilitator. On February 24, 1986, he married Deborah Larkin Garland and one daughter was born to this union.
Solomon continued his career in education as a physical education teacher with Dallas Independent School District until his retirement in 2010. During his years with D.I.S.D., he established a dance troupe at Lisbon Elementary School and held offices in the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Solomon was a avid supporter of the Arts. He served as president of the Dance Council of North Texas. He was also on the Board of Directors of Beckles Dance Company and served as chairman.
Along with the numerous lives he touched, he leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 32 years, Deborah Espie; his children, Nikki Espie of Asheville, North Carolina, Meredith Espie (Jon Anderson) of Brookfield, Illinois, Elizabeth Espie and stepson, Jonathan Garland; brother, Douglas Espie (Adrenna) of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; nephews, Doug “Thumper” Espie of Grovesport, Ohio, Jordan Bostic of Columbus, Ohio, David Hawkins (Candra); niece, Alexis Espie of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Solomon departed this life on February 17, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents.
