Charles Thomas Dabney Jr.

The Dash There are two important dates around the life that you live that represent the days you’re blessed to laugh, to love, to live. First is the date of birth The following date (of death) read with tears But what mattered most of all Was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time That they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them Know what that little line is worth What matters is how we live and love And how we spend our dash. --Linda Ellis, Poet Our dearly beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, and best friend Charles Thomas Dabney, Jr., affectionately called “C.T.” was born, March 10, 1963, to Vernice S. Dabney and the late Charles Thomas Dabney, Sr. Sadly, he passed away, unexpectedly, yet, peacefully in his sleep on May 8, 2024. At an early age, Charles was baptized at Escobrook Baptist Church, which remained his “home” church throughout his life. An avid learner, Charles began his educational trek at Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management, achieving high honor as Magna Cum Laude. Charles continued his studies at Carnegie-Mellon University’s H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, where he was awarded his Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Management with a major in Environmental Planning in 1986. Charles completed his formal education journey in 1991, obtaining a Graduate Certificate in Housing Finance from the University of Maryland Graduate School of Public Affairs in College Park, Maryland. Charles often was recognized as an “elder statesman” in community development circles. Driven by his passion for community development and empowering others, Charles held different roles with the Department of Public Housing and Community Development in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and, ultimately, with Miami-Dade County in Miami, FL. Charles’ prowess with grant writing and community outreach was highlighted in his role as Senior Program Officer of Real Estate and Lending at Local Initiatives Support Corporation-LISC. Until his untimely passing, Charles held one of his longest positions as Director of Real Estate Development at South Florida Community Land Trust (SFCLT) in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, FL. Charles was a well-respected contributor and leader, known for his dedication to creating access to affordable housing and restoring/advancing communities. He, proudly, served on the boards of South Florida Community Development Coalition, The Allapattah Collaborative Community Development Corporation and The Steering Committee of the Greater Miami Housing Alliance, each branding a mission to provide and preserve quality, sustainable, affordable housing for underserved populations in South Florida. Charles was a gifted singer and his life was always filled with music and song. He also possessed a zest for exploring the world through travel and befriending many people while traveling. Charles’ “dash” was, definitely, full, rich and full of love to and from friends and family. Charles’ walk in life is proof that generosity and love had no bounds. He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Vernice S. Dabney (Little Plymouth, VA); two younger brothers, Vertram Dabney (Richmond, VA) and Dyron Dabney (Richmond, IN); a godson, Niko Collins (Snow Hill, NC) and a host of dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A funeral service will be held 11AM, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Hockley, VA. A viewing will be held from 4pm-6pm, Friday May 17, 2024, at Vincent Funeral Home, West Point, VA. **Due to weather and signal strength, we are unable to livestream. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will post video at a later date.**

Charles Thomas Dabney Jr.

March 10, 1963 - May 9, 2024