Frederick Montague Dabney

1936 - 2022

DABNEY, Frederick Montague, 86, of Richmond, Va., went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2022. He died peacefully in his home, with his wife, Cary Dabney, by his side. Their 51 year union was more than a marriage; it was a love story and an adventure like no other.

Fred was born on August 12, 1936 on Maple Grove Farm in Rockville, Va. As a child, he helped work on the family farm. He graduated from Rockville High School in 1953. After serving in the U.S. Army, Fred attended Randolph-Macon College. His love for chemistry led him to the asphalt industry. In the late 1960s, Fred acquired an ownership interest in Slurry Pavers. At that time, Slurry Pavers had one paving truck. He would sell slurry seal in the winter and run the paver in the summer. Despite only having one truck, Fred had big plans to create a successful company. He had a unique ability to recognize special talent. He guided many long-time employees who were like family to him, including the late Phil Tarsovich. Through the leadership and vision of Fred and Phil, Slurry Pavers experienced significant growth and became a leader in the Pavement Preservation industry. More than the company's success, it was the friendships Fred made and the success of his employees that meant the most to him.

Fred's signature laugh could be heard rooms away, and his passion for connecting with others could be described as magnetic; he was known to transform a room full of strangers to a room full of friends, whose life stories he could recount with wonder. He loved to share jokes and stories and had a gift for instigating rooms full of laughter. Fred also had a very serious side; he cared deeply about family, friends and employees and expected the best in character from himself and others. He was highly respected for his strong moral compass; his wise personal and professional advice and his innate talent to lead. He was not afraid to challenge complacency or to speak bluntly and often offered unique and valuable insight to complex situations. He recognized talents and gifts in others and encouraged them to visualize their dreams and work toward them. He was neither arrogant nor pretentious, instead always modeling regard for the dignity of others, the importance of humility and the value in reaching out (often characterized by hearty greetings offered to perfect strangers).

Fred had a few other passions; he was a devoted son to his mother "Nee" and always underscored her significance in family events, making her a cornerstone in the lives of her grandchildren; he was exceptionally dedicated to her prior to her death, exercising vigilance over her care and welfare daily for many years.

His other passion was the water; he was an avid sailor for most of his life, sharing time with friends and family; he never met a stranger on the water and often shared the sounds of Jimmy Buffet and even a splash of Mount Gay Rum. His red bandana became his trademark. Fred's absence resonates profoundly for those who loved him. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Afton Comstock Dabney and Mary Edith Dabney; his brother, Jackson Allen Dabney; his son, Robert Afton Dabney and wife, Nini; and his grandson, Jack Dabney.

Fred is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 51 years, Cary Fravel Dabney; their daughter, Cameron Harrington and husband, Patrick; and granddaughters, Abriella and Dabney Rose; their son, Carter Dabney and wife, Aimee; and grandsons, David and Blake; their son, Wythe Dabney and partner, Amy Atticks; Fred's daughter, Beth Dabney; and grandson, Ian Settles and wife, Sandy; and great-granddaughter, Darla Anne; and granddaughter, Erin Rhue and husband, Jamie; and great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Hale; Fred's daughter, Suzan Guynn; and grandchildren, Seamus, Zoe and Finn Otto; and his granddaughter, Moira Dabney. Fred is also survived by his nephew, Steve Dabney; and his niece, Sheryl Dabney; and her son, Justin Paley and wife, Hailey; and their children, Parks and Ella; and her son, Jason Paley and wife, Maria; and their children, Sophia and Sawyer.

Family and friends will be received at Bliley's Funeral Home (3801 Augusta Ave, Richmond) on Monday, December 19, from 3 to 5 p.m.

The Funeral Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church (903 Forest Ave., Richmond) on Tuesday, December 20, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Michael J. Fox Foundation Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org/), Caritas (https://www.caritasva.org/), or Feed More (https://feedmore.org/).