Floyd J. "Pete" Dabney Obituary (1934 - 2019)

Floyd J. 'Pete" Dabney, entered into rest on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 at Heritage Health Center in Normal, IL. He was born on April 28, 1934 in Danville, IL to Floyd J. Bass and Ella (Withers) Dabney. Ella passed this life when Floyd was 6 months old, and Floyd was graciously raised by his Uncle and Aunt, Norvell and Cherry (Withers) Dupree, alongside his "CousinBrothers", David Parker, John Crider, and Donald and Freddie Dupree. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 12noon on Monday, October 28, 2019 at New Life Church of Faith, 1419 N Bowman Avenue, Danville, IL 61832. Repass will be at 3:00 p.m. on Monday at the Untouchable's Motorcycle Club, 106 Commercial Street, Danville, IL 61832. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington assisted the family with cremation arrangements. Floyd was raised and educated in Danville and in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Airforce; Korean war from 1952-1953. Floyd received an Honorable Discharge in 1962 and returned home to Danville, IL where he married Willie 'Bill' Gertrude (Briggs) Dabney and raised his 3 children, Petey, Shay, and Michael. Bill proceeded him in death in 1977. Floyd married Darlene Lilly on August 6, 2006. Floyd was an electrician by trade and worked along-side his Father, Floyd Bass, for Bass Electric. When Floyd's father transitioned in 1971, Floyd continued working as an electrician for Illinois Bell and later, Esco. He also did odds and ends jobs around the Danville community for family, friends, and neighbors. One of his favorite times of the year was the "Winter Frolics" at the Danville-Tilton Civic Center. He loved live music and was given the opportunity to do the lighting for several years. In 1991 Floyd established Ekonomy Electric and flourished throughout Danville and surrounding counties for over 30 years. Floyd was a Minister and Teacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, ordained in 1967 at Shiloh Baptist Church under Rev. Talma Sykes. Floyd also served as a Minister at Israel of God Church, White Horse Army (Withers origin) serving under Bishop Ronald Henton. Floyd had a beautiful singing voice and was joyfully a member of HeavenSpeaks, a traveling choir, founded by his best friend, David Buford. Alongside David, Floyd sang with his "best buddies" Yvette, Yvonne, Snookie, Claudie, Becky, Anna, and Howard. In 2001 they produced their first album, "Speak to Me". They traveled a lot and had a good time. Floyd was an avid motorcycle rider and was a former member of the Untouchables Motorcycle Club. Floyd also believed in civil rights and was former member of the Danville Chapter, NAACP where he served as President. Floyd enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, fishing, photography, and watching Western movies. Floyd was an amazing man of which no words or number of pages could tell the whole story. He had a kind heart, quick wit, and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Floyd is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Dabney, his children, Floyd Edward Donzell Dabney, Cherry Shay Dabney, Michael Shane Dabney, his beloved step-children, Bryan H. Lilly Sr. (Jessica) and Lauren Lilly. His grandchildren Darius (Ruby) Dabney, Elijah (Amanda) Dabney, Jazzmin Dabney, his beloved step-grandchildren, Gwen (Corey) Jenkins, Keionne Cottrell, Keith Cottrell Jr., Brian H. Lilly Jr. Amari J. Lilly, Jordan Vannot, and Addrianna Busick. His great-granddaughter Kaylee Dabney, and beloved step-great-grandchildren, Amilia Shepherd-Dabney, Troy Shepherd-Dabney, AhNyla Martin, Zahniya Jenkins, Ah'Miya Jenkins, Keiley Cottrell, Kalo Cottrell, and Keison Cottrell. Special daughter mention: Angela Cross-Dabney, Tuesday Meeks, and Beth Stucky. And many, many, many family, loved ones, and friends.