Robert L. Dancy Sr.

1934 - 2024

Robert L. Dancy, Sr.
Alton - Robert L. Dancy Sr. was born in Shuqualak, Mississippi on November 21, 1934. He was the eldest son to the late Edward Dancy and Bessie L. (Buchanan) Dancy. Mr. Dancy had two brothers, and two sisters. Preceding him in death were both brothers Earl Lee Dancy, and Edward Dancy Jr. and a sister Barbra Ann who passed at age 3, he is survived by his sister Shirley Marie (Dancy) Taylor.
In 1946, the family moved to Alton, Illinois where Robert attended the old Love Joy School on Union Street, and later attending Central Jr. High on Tremont Street. Robert later left Alton in 1951 to live with his uncle and aunt William and Estella Buchanon in Ogden, Utah. He graduated from Ogden Sr. High School with the class of 1954. He returned to Alton in 1955 and continued his education at Olin Vocational School and Lewis & Clark where he attended classes in electronics, basic electricity, and blueprint reading.
On September 28, 1958, by Reverend Thomas Givan, Mr. Dancy married Willie Joyce Skinner at the North Alton Baptist Church and through their union had five children, Robert, Gregory, Ronnie, Eric, and Regina.
Robert worked for International Shoe in Hartford, IL, and at Olin brass mill. He later worked at Union Electric now known as Ameren IL from 1962 to 1995, holding several positions such as pipe fitter helper in the gas division, meter reader, field serviceman, polyphase (primary) meter tester and installation, station tester in all substations, and part time relief foreman in the electric meter shop in Alton. After 33 years and 4 months, on July 1,1995 Robert retired. He was the first black hired at IBEW 649.
Robert was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church having been baptized in 1957 by Reverend Binford. He reinstated his membership under Reverend Lonnie Calmese and became more active under Reverend John Buford. Robert was a member of the men's day choir, member of finance committee, and member of the original brotherhood. Robert acted as church treasurer for several years.
Robert enjoyed many hobbies, HAM Radio (KB9LZJ) but preferred the computer. He enjoyed carpentry, photography, and gardening. Robert liked to build new things, and watching plants grow. He enjoyed the sounds of smooth jazz, classical music, and old school gospel choirs and trying to solve Sudoku.
On October 5, 2024, Robert departed this life, leaving to cherish his memory and legacy a loving wife, Joyce Dancy (Alton, IL), their children, Robert Jr. (Greensboro, NC), Gregory (Florissant, MO), Ronnie (Alton, IL), Eric (Alton, IL), Regina (Indianapolis, IN), and several grandchildren Rashaad (Florissant, MO), Erica (Alton, IL), Courtney (Dallas, TX), Makhi (Alton, IL), and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will convene Saturday, October 12, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery. Pastor John W. Buford will officiate. Services entrusted to Harrison Funeral Chapel and Cremation Center of Alton.