WAYNE D. DABNEY

On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, Reverend Wayne D. Dabney, 64, of 1612 N. Halcun Drive, Petersburg, Va., was granted his angel wings as he received a call, a sort of an offer he couldn't refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with his mom, dad, his family and friends that he has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110 %. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing, dancing, preaching and reading to his heart's content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. He left detailed instructions for his twin brother and his children to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed. Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated.

Rev. Wayne Dabney, a twin, was born to the late Willard Sr. and Lou Marion Dabney on February 9, 1951. He was educated in the Petersburg Public Schools and is a graduate of St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC.

He was ordained at Tabernacle Baptist Church by Rev. Albert Gee and under his guidance was a regular teacher of new ministers. He was also the former pastor of the Olive Branch Baptist Church in Dinwiddie.

Rev. Dabney loved walking and talking with the many citizens of Petersburg. He often encouraged his twin brother to walk, although his twin's passion was bike riding. He loved to fish and during his formative years, was quite a dancer.

Rev. Dabney is survived by his wife, Deborah of Arizona; his twin brother, Rev. Willard Dabney of Petersburg; children, Ava, Remi, Wayne Jr. and Khary, all of New Jersey; step-sons, Sean, Calvin, and Jack; step-daughter, Tennille of Petersburg; nieces, Anikwa Turner of Richmond and Kimba Dabney of Petersburg; devoted cousins, Lester Lewis of Richmond, Vincent Lewis of New York, Dr. Elwood Lewis of Franklinand Sheriff Vanessa Crawford of Petersburg; and a host of other friends and family to include: William N. Bland, Jr., Benjamin O. Scott, Sr., Burton Hayes, Jr. and Gueringer Dabney.

Services for Rev. Wayne D. Dabney will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., the Rev. Betty Jackson, eulogist.

The family may be contacted by calling (804) 930-4449.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Rev. Dabney and watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.