Archie W. Dabney, Jr.

Coach Dabney I know that you touched so many lives on earth, I can just imagine what you will do in heaven!! Love you Angel!!

You will always be remembered as the great man you were. I will never forget you.

My sons went to CSES when he was principle. They have never forgotten him. When they would run into him at walmart he would greet them and shake hands. Last week my husband shared a hospital room with Mr Dabney and he was still just the sweetest man, so caring. He wanted to know about my sons and how they are doing today. He will forever be remembered for his big heart. Prays to his family , May your memories help you thru this loss.

In the summer of 1985, my family and I moved to Citrus County from Pennsylvania because schools were closing there. (a result of good paying factory/steel jobs had left my city) I was a young teacher with 7 years experience in PA as well as a young mother to our beautiful daughter of 5 months. My parents recently moved to Beverly Hills the year before. I never thought I would one day live in Florida.
My first year teaching in Citrus County went well but it dramatically changed the day a 6´5 angel appeared in the back of my classroom to observe me for becoming a teacher at this new elementary school called Citrus Springs Elementary! Where´s Citrus Springs I wondered and where is that new school located? (Believe it or not, CSES was not easy to find; even the few houses on Elkcam Blvd we stopped to ask the people for CSES directions had NO clue there even was a school nearby!!)
Needless to say, I was thrilled Mr. Dabney hired me! (I later found out that he asked the cafeteria workers and janitors about me. Very Clever!!!) I instantly felt a unique connection to Mr. Dabney. (He reminded me of my parents. All from the Greatest Generation.). They shared the same good moral values and fruit of the Spirit! They also had good old-fashion commonsense and a wonderful sense of humor. My parents and Mr. Dabney enjoyed each other´s company. Mr. Dabney even picked up some of our Polish phrases, a song, and of course, loved our Polish food!
I have MANY cherished memories of my time with Mr. Dabney. My second beautiful daughter was born while I was a teacher at CSES- the 1st Baby from a teacher at the new CSES! My girls love Mr. Dabney. (He was even with us at our daughter´s wedding-as part of our family). We all felt loved at CSES because Mr. Dabney made it feel safe and loving there. Soon many figured out CSES was an extraordinary school!
Even when Mr. Dabney retired, he would call me to check on me and my family. He even visited me a few times when I taught at Citrus Springs Middle School. My 6th graders that never met him before could see and sense his genuine character as he "rolled up" on his motorized scooter!
You could speak to Mr. Dabney about any topic, issue, or problem and leave feeling calm. He respected you and listened well! In my 40 years as a teacher at 7 different schools and 14 different principals, Mr. Dabney was by far the BEST! He encouraged my ideas to try: International Food Festival, my Veteran´s Program, Patriotic Week, NASA´s contest to Name New Orbiter and he was my guest speaker for Black History.
I will never forget the final time I saw him this May and called him also this May. We always would talk and laugh for over an hour. I will MISS you, Mr. Dabney! I loved listening to your many stories about your early teaching years in Citrus County and your life. Also, after getting you an Ancestry DNA kit, I learned your family history! (We laughed because you are a tiny bit Polish!!! I knew it!)
Dear Mr. Dabney,
I KNOW you are enjoying your eternal life in heaven with Our Loving Lord!
Wanda Kopka Copple

Thanks Coach for everything you shared!! Especially yourself!!!
Robert Donnie Smith

When I began as Vocal Music teacher at the new Lecanto High School, Coach Dabney sang a duet with me during our Christmas Concert. After that I had so many male students join chorus and we made beautiful music together. I just lost my husband on May 5th after 58 years of marriage so I have all of the sympathy in the world for the family of Coach Dabney. He was and will remain forever in our hearts.

I always knew him as "Mr. Dabney". I was a "PTA Mom" for my daughter at Citrus Springs Elementary. I'll never forget how he couldn't walk down the hallway without a mass of children rushing to hug him. Of course, he hugged them all back. One time somebody asked me why the kids loved him so much, and I replied: "Because HE loves them-and they KNOW it.". He was truly one of the most remarkable people I've ever known, an example of whom we should all aspire to be. My love and prayers to his family. Rest well, "Coach".

This man was such an influence in my life!! I don't think he new how much! Rest in peace.

You will be missed by this world. Forever one if your kids.

I am one of the many students that Coach Dabney mentored at CRHS back in 75-78... he was the guidance counselor, who guided me through high school! I was grateful for his influence. Later as my children came to be, he was the principal at CSES!! And guided 3 of my 4 there then!!!
Later, I would visit him at the VA hospital in Gainesville... the man was always cheerful and full of love!!! He was a treasure, and will be missed by all with whom crossed his path!
To his family prayers of peace and comfort as these are not so pleasant times! Cherish the memories and we should always follow his examples of love and tolerance for all!!! Love ya Coach!!!

As a member of the Rogers, Thompson and Dabney families, I will say that Archie possessed all of the qualities of those in our family who loved God, loved family, loved people, loved community and loved country. He pulled others up and pushed them forward. He was a positive role model image for others to emulate. He set high standards showed others about the value of giving unconditionally. He was my cousin, my brother and friend. He will be missed but he left an extraordinary spirit of life for us to share with others. He is now traveling on the wings of God's angels.

When Coach was principal at Citrus Springs Elementary, I met him at his school for a meeting. After the meeting, he invited me to join him as he went to the cafeteria. It seems that he had made arrangements for Santa to come visit the children do it lunchtime. Coach entered with Santa but what was amazing was the childrens´ reaction. Kids spontaneously came to hug their beloved figure. First they hugged Coach, then Santa.
His students loved him even more than Santa.
That´s a great obituary for a remarkable man.

entering Crystal River High School 79-83 Coach SinceDabney inspired me to be a better human being on and off the field. He imprinted Faith, Honor, Loyalty, Professionalism and sometimes humility that was imprinted not only in my mind but also in my heart. You are truly a good and noble man, and I will see you in the new world after our judgment. You did great works. As said by LUKE 6-43,44,45 : For a good tree does not bear bad fruit. For every tree is known by it's "own" fruit. And, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good. God Bless, Louie Russo class of '83

You will always be remembered my girls at crystal river high you will be truly missed prayers for his wonder family rest peacefully

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Amazing human !
Period!

Coach Dabney truly fulfilled Luke 4:18. He preached the gospel, he aided in healing many broken hearts, he set many of us who were held captive free, he opened many blinded eyes, and set at liberty many that were bruised. He was a Jesus example to us all. Love you Coach.

Citrus County has indeed lost an icon. He was a true inspiration and friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be dearly missed... I remember going along to "score" the basketball games with him back when we used the middle school gym as the new high school didn't have one yet.

My Deepest Sympathy and Condolences Goes out to the Dabney Family with Love Roxie Knight

My son's were at CRHS when he was there. A nicer man you will never meet. God bless his soul .

Mr. Dabney I called him, because I didn't have him for a coach, just a councilor. He helped me through a very difficult loss of another classmate I called my best friend. His kindness helped me learn how to move forward..He will never be forgotten. A man of God.. im one of his kids.
Prayers to the family and all his special kid's.