Ollen Augustus Dupree, Jr.

Ollen Augustus Dupree Jr., 83, went to heaven on August 17, 2025, from his home in Bowie Maryland with his family by his side.

He was known as Junior, by everyone who knew him prior to his professional life in Washington, D.C. After that he was called, Du, Dup or Dupree. He was born on March 8, 1942, in Little Washington, North Carolina to Ollen Augustus Dupree Sr. and Bessie Parrish. He attended Sampson High School in Clinton, North Carolina. He was instrumental in establishing the Sampson High School alumni association which was established to make a difference in the community and support young people. He went to Howard University for two years but self- reports that he was "too homesick" and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at North Carolina A&T. During his time at A&T he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Alpha Nu chapter and was active for more than 50 years. He worked as an elementary school physical education teacher and later as an Adult Education teacher in the DC Public School System. He became a supervisor for the Adult Education Program through the Department of Human Service and then worked as a Vocational Evaluator for the DC government for 15 years. In 1995, he received a Master of Arts degree in Education and Human Development from George Washington University. He was promoted to Supervisor in the Vocational Education Unit and retired from the DC government.

Dupree said that he met his soul mate and love of his life in 1983 in Philadelphia. He convinced her to move to the Washington area in 1986 and were married in 1991. They were blessed with a foster child in 1994 (Elijah) and in 1997, an 11 day old beautiful baby girl, (Mya) entered their lives. Both children were adopted and the Duprees became a special, loving family.

Ollen Dupree had a kind, gentle soul and loved all people. He called all men, Brother, and respected all people regardless of race, nationality, religious beliefs or physical or mental abilities. He loved music of all kinds but was an aficionado of jazz music especially organ jazz. Dupree was an outstanding athlete and avidly watched any sport on TV but the true love of his life (other than his family and God) was Tennis. His mother taught him to play when he was a young child in Clinton, North Carolina and he played and taught to the last year of his life. He played competitively in college and won National and State Tournaments held by the American Tennis Association (ATA) and United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR). He won the ATA National Championship in Men's 45 and multiple ATA National double championships in the 34, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 age brackets. He was inducted into the Indianapolis Black Tennis Player Hall of Fame in 2025.

In 1992, he became a professional tennis teacher (A.C.E) (advancing the Commitment to Education) Clinician through the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). He traveled across the country providing tennis workshops in minority communities teaching other tennis professionals. He advanced to become a PTR National Teacher and Tester and continued to travel across the country and to Jamaica providing training and certification.

Dupree was a child of God and lived his life to the fullest to the end. His laughter and love will be sorely missed by all the people he knew all over the country. He leaves behind his wife, Cara Calistro, son Elijah Dupree, daughter Mya Dupree, grandson, Greyson Curry, granddaughter, Genesis Dupree-Williams, sister Chrystal Dupree Dickason, nephew Czakar Dickason and a host of loving family members and friends.

Donations in honor of Dupree can be sent using the QR code below or a check payable to SHSAA, Inc. and mailed.

Sampson High School Alumni Association, Inc.Attn: Ranow McCoy, Financial Secretary12105 Aspenwood LaneLaurel, MD 20708