William Howard Dabney

William Howard Dabney obituary, Virginia, VA

William Howard Dabney

William Dabney Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 17, 2012.
William Howard Dabney, Colonel, United States Marine Corp (retired), 77, of Lexington, died Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at his home. He was born in St. Johns, New Brunswick, Canada, the son of the late Hugh Keane Dabney and Mary Hennessey Dabney.
Raised in Panama and Tidewater Virginia, he graduated from the Christ Church School in Middlesex County in 1953, and attended Yale University for one year before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1953. He attained the rank of Sergeant before enrolling at Virginia Military Institute and graduating with the Class of 1961. He married Virginia McCandlish Puller, daughter of Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell "Chesty" Puller in September 1961.

An infantry officer, Colonel Dabney served 37 years in the Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam, and earned numerous citations, including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry. While in Vietnam, he commanded India Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, on Hill 881S during the Battle of Khe Sanh, for which he was awarded the Navy Cross. He later commanded 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, the 9th Marine Regiment, and Headquarters Battalion. He retired from active duty in 1990, following his final posting as commanding officer of the Naval ROTC Unit at VMI, where he served as Commandant of the VMI Corps of Cadets.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William Howard Dabney Jr.; and an infant daughter, Anne Christian Dabney. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Puller Dabney; one sister, Martha Dabney Leclere, of Stanardsville; a daughter-in-law, Andrea Shilt Dabney, of Greenwich, Conn.; one son, Lewis Puller Dabney (Kristin), of Lynchburg; one daughter, Virginia Keane Dabney Kauders (Eric), of Richmond; and six grandchildren, Page Dabney, Caroline Dabney, Virginia Kauders, Ellie Dabney, Anna Kate Dabney, and Andrew Kauders. Colonel Dabney was a member of the R.E. Lee Episcopal Church in Lexington.
A Funeral Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 26, 2012, at R.E. Lee Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Tom Crittenden officiating, with a reception following at Virginia Military Institute at Moody Hall. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA 22172, or the VMI Foundation, 304 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, VA 24450. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington.

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February 26, 2012

Stephen Smith posted to the memorial.

February 23, 2012

Timothy Forbes posted to the memorial.

February 22, 2012

Doug Ammon posted to the memorial.

Stephen Smith

February 26, 2012

I was lucky to have known and been influenced by Col Dabney at such a young age. He was an incredible man.

Timothy Forbes

February 23, 2012

Sorry to hear of the Col's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I was told he was a Marine who led from the front and took care of his troops. We couldn't ask for more than that. Remember special times, he's with Chesty now.
Semper Fidelis......

Doug Ammon

February 22, 2012

Virginia, We were so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was an inspiration to all with whom he was associated. His contributins to our Corps were great. Semper Fidelis. Colonel Doug and Terry Ammon, USMC (Ret)

Mari Okes

February 22, 2012

Dr.Dabney- my sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Woolvy Woolverton

February 21, 2012

I arrived in Vietnam a boy and thanks to Colonel's leadership and influence I left a man. He will forever be my Hero.

Todd Hubbard

February 21, 2012

COL Dabney was the definition of Marine Officer. I am thankful for his leadership while I was a Cadet at VMI. He was a powerful influence, and a great Mentor.

Elliott Dix

February 21, 2012

Virginia and Family,

Although it's been 35 years since our
fun times in the 17 Area at CP we think of you often..why? Because the Dabneys were just plain nice people, fun to be around. Bill's military record speaks for itself. We remember the whole family. Your trials have been many. Hard for us to fathom. We love you dearly and mourn with you.
If I could venture a feeling I believe that Bills character is exactly what our Good Lord would have for all of us.

Elliott, Ouida, Drew, Jason and Sara Dix

Earl Piper

February 20, 2012

Virginia - my sincerest condolences in this most difficult of times. You married well. Bill was one of our very best. Be strengthened and consoled by those good memories that are surely yours and know that you are supported in the prayers of your many friends. Earl Piper, Colonel USMC (Ret).

Chester Wilson

February 20, 2012

I respected Colonel Dabney as a man, as a Marine and as a person. It has been many years since I served under his command but he was never forgotten--Semper Fi-rest in peace. C.W. Wilson 1st PLT India Co-3/26 Marines 67-68.

Dabney's 81's

February 20, 2012

We were privileged to serve under Colonel Dabney on Hill 881S, at Khe Sanh, during the seige. Many of us would not be here but for his leadership and bravery. Our admiration and respect of the Skipper is infinite and we look forward to serving with him again when we guard "Heaven's streets". Semper Fi and God Bless.

February 18, 2012

You will always live in the hearts of your Brother Rats. May the peace of the Lord be with you.
Jerry Eubank VMI '61

Gerry Cooper

February 18, 2012

Bill Dabney was an officer, a gentleman and the finest friend. No sturdier fellow ever walked this earth--nor finer American.
Christchurch Classmate, 1953

February 17, 2012

Sincerest sympathy to Virginia and the family. Duane & Pat Trowbridge, USMC, Old Dominion Chapter, First Marine Division (Virginia Beach VA)

Kevin Jones

February 17, 2012

He was a man's man and a patriot. He will be greatly missed.

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Harrison Funeral Home

714 South Main Street, Lexington, VA 24450-2235

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Sign William Dabney's Guest Book

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February 26, 2012

Stephen Smith posted to the memorial.

February 23, 2012

Timothy Forbes posted to the memorial.

February 22, 2012

Doug Ammon posted to the memorial.