Obituary of William Earl Dabbs

Funeral services for William Earl “Bill” Dabbs, age 95, of Eastaboga, Alabama, will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2014, 2:00 pm at Usrey Funeral Home in Talladega, Alabama, with Reverend George Gray and Reverend Larry Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery, Talladega, Alabama. His family will receive friends Saturday from 5-7 pm and Sunday from 1-2 PM at the funeral home. Mr. Dabbs passed away at his home in Eastaboga on Tuesday, January 8, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marion Sue Shaddix Dabbs, his parents, Reuben H. and Fannie Elizabeth Dabbs, and one brother and sister-in-law, Samuel H. and Flonnie Dabbs. Mr. Dabbs was born in Jefferson County, a native of Walnut Grove, Alabama, and a resident of Eastaboga, Talladega County, for more than 73 years. He moved to Indian Hill Farm in Eastaboga after his marriage to Marion Sue Shaddix Dabbs in 1941. He was a devoted husband, father and a faithful member of Craig Memorial United Methodist Church. He met his lifelong love and wife, Marion Sue, while attending State Teaching College, now known as Jacksonville State University; both were enrolled for degrees in education. While a full-time student at JSU, Mr. Dabbs began his military career in the Army National Guard. One quarter shy of graduation, his National Guard Unit was mobilized in November 1939. He served in the United States Army with the 167th Infantry, 31st Division. His service took him to Camp Blanding, Camp Bowie, Camp Shelby, and he was deployed from Blackstone, Virginia, to fight in World War II, Pacific Conflict in New Guinea. He was discharged at Fort McPherson, Georgia, with the rank of Staff Sergeant in December 1945. His devotion and love for his Country never wavered. He lived each day with unique courage and met each obstacle with a determination to overcome. We have seen him adapt when his usual way of doing things became blocked by circumstances or physical limitations. He prided himself on finding new ways to accomplish the tasks required to remain independent. There was never a trace of bitterness or self-pity but throughout his life he maintained a positive attitude accepting help graciously. Mr. Dabbs is survived by four children and their spouses: Billie Sue D. and Richard Johnson of Piedmont, Frank R and Mary Dabbs of Eastaboga, Brenda D. and Charles Morgan of Glencoe, and Martha D. and Lloyd Smith of Eastaboga;one brother John Edwin and Patricia Dabbs, grandchildren: Shelton E. Walker, David E. Walker, Patti D. Owens, Matthew Craig Dabbs, Emily E. Barber, Byron H. Durham and Brandon C. Durham; six step-grandchildren: James Harvell, Wayne Harvell, Dianne Harvell Jones, Christy Johnson Turner, Candice Smith Suggs, and Patrick N. Smith; thirty-one great grandchildren; and one great, great grandchild. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Gene Walker, David Walker, Craig Dabbs, Byron Durham, Brandon Durham, James Harvell, Wayne Harvell, Patrick Smith, and Keith Owens. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Craig Memorial United Methodist Men's Club and Curtis H. Durham Caregivers were: Elaine Caudle, Renee Lehr, Leslie Siskey, Sonya Dew of AlaCare; and Sherry Butler. In-home caregivers were: Carolyn Presley, Deanie Hazlewood, Winnie Crumbley, Brandy Miller, Tanya Talley, Greer Cheatwood, and Nettie Wells. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Doctors Bidikov, Kamran, and Esposito of Anniston for their skillful care of their father. Online condolences may be sent to www.usreyfuneralhome.com