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Mr. Dabbs was a native of Kingstree, SC. He received his diploma from Kingstree High School before earning his Associate of Arts from North Greenville College. He then earned his Bachelors degree from Charleston Southern University and his Master's degree from the University of South Carolina. He was a basketball coach and a social studies teacher at Hebron high School in Williamsburg County. He was also the Athletic Director, basketball, golf and tennis coach and social studies teacher at Thomas Hart Academy in Hartsville. He has also taught at Williams Junior High in Florence; was a Vocational Rehabilitations Counselor in Sumter; an Educational Services Coordinator and Television producer, talent, and on-air host for SC Educational Television; Public Relations Director and Coordinator of Vocation-In-Motion Program in Sumter School District Two; and Vocational Services Coordinator, Director of Public Relations, radio host, news writer, and teacher at the Lee County School District. Before taking a leave of absence due to his health, he was the Director of Public Information, Lower School Principal, and a teacher at REL.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Dabbs received numerous awards. In 1981 he received the American Legion Auxiliary Golden Mike Award for his work in "Treehouse," South Carolina's best local television program in the interest of youth. In 1993, the SC Network of Business Partners recognized Mr. Dabbs for exemplary cooperative partnership with SC's Public Schools. In 1994 Governor Carroll Campbell presented him with the Rural Business Education Partnership Award for his role in the development of collaborative partnerships that had broadened community involvement in education.

Mr. Dabbs died on Sunday, September 25th at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. He was 59. Visitation will be at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home, 221 Broad St., Sumter, on Tuesday, September 27th from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 9 W Calhoun St, Sumter, on Wednesday, September 28th at 4 p.m.
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Since Sunday, I have struggled to find some meaningful words to say about Thomas. I thought that it was important that I speak for him once again as I’ve done so many times this year.
But all of you know how much Lauren and I loved Thomas and how much he loved us. Most of you know how Thomas and I met and how long we were married. Many of you know as many good Thomas stories as I do.
Several months ago, I shared with some of you part of an interview with Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life. Warren said:

People ask me, “What is the purpose of life?” And I respond, “In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity…This is the warm-up act, the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity.”

…I used to think that life was hills and valleys—you go through a dark time, then you get to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don’t believe that any more. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe it’s kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

Warren referenced James 1:12, and the words of this verse are particularly appropriate for Thomas: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
The meaningful words I would like to say about Thomas are these: he loved his family; he loved his friends; he loved life; he loved God.-Carol C. Dabbs

Last year the yearbook staff dedicated the yearbook to Mr. Dabbs. Below is their dedication:

"This year, we are dedicating the yearbook to someone who is not only a teacher but also a friend. When you see this person, he always has a smile on his face and never fails to say 'hey.' Whether it’s cracking a joke in class or welcoming you into his house, he is bound to put a smile on your face too. That is why we would like to give an extended 'thank you' to Mr. Thomas Dabbs. You will always be 'welcome in our house.'"

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Memories

Whether it was “Little Friday” (actually Thursday) or “Cadillacan” on Friday, you were always in the presence of Thomas Dabbs when these phrases were used. He always seemed to have a word to lift you up no matter how bad the day was. I enjoyed sharing my planning time for the past two years with Thomas. He always had something to talk about… old Western movies, the students, stories from life in the public school realm, etc. With Thomas, there was always a story to tell. That is what I will remember most about him. I enjoyed those times of listening to his stories, and will recall them fondly when I think of him. -Maria Watson

Valentine's Day came on the 25th of every month, according to Mr. Dabbs. No, he wasn't referring to that day when chocolate is exchanged for hugs and kisses, he was talking about payday. Both Mr. Dabbs and I loved Valentine's Day! His voice could make you smile. Just the sight of him walking in the office filled you with happiness because you knew there was a funny story or joke coming. I will truly miss him and will think of him on Valentine's Day. -Quinetta Buterbaugh

I will always remember how the children loved Mr. Dabbs and how he could "take his finger off." They would beg him to do that every time they saw him. He loved to come into our classrooms to demonstrate this and just chat with the kids. He was a pro at getting them "wound up" and then leaving us to calm them down! We always listened to his radio show, and he often had the kids on telling about their successes. If we missed it or it was not on for some reason, they were so disappointed. I would often look up and see him smiling as he peeked in on us through the door's window. I will never forget that face! -Laurie Anderson

Even though I never had Mr. Dabbs as a teacher, I learned so much from him. I learned a lot about old classic Western films. I learned that the best food on earth comes from Brown's BBQ in Kingstree. I know that Wednesday is the real beginning of the weekend. Any day can be a holiday if you need it to be. I learned that animals make better pets if you name them after celebrities. I even know the secret for eating a Lance iced honey bun. I also learned that REL was a beloved placed to Thomas. I know that he loved his students and co-workers, and that the short people were just as important to him as the tall people. I learned that Thomas had a long, industrious career where he gave tirelessly of himself to others. I learned about Carol and Lauren, and the enormous love he had for his "girls." But the greatest lesson I learned from Thomas is to smile every day, even in the face of great hardship, fear, and pain. This is the legacy I will carry with me and try to apply to my life. Thomas, I'll expect to be hearing you say, "Come in the House," one day very soon. -Sharon Green

What a wonderful friend Thomas was! I have known Thomas for many years. We worked together in the Lee County Schools before we both came to REL. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He would uplift me when I was low with his humorous stories (and he had a story for every occasion!). Even though he had the "gift of gab", he had his tender moments too. I have seen him shed tears when he was concerned about a child or a fellow co-worker. He shed tears with me often when I was down.
Thomas loved to brag about his wife Carol and daughter Lauren. He was so proud of his family. He was also proud of our school. He told countless individuals how great it was to work at Robert E. Lee Academy. The students loved him - both young and old. The faculty and staff loved him too. Thomas will certainly be missed by all of us. I know that God has a special job for him to do in Heaven. Goodbye until we meet again, my good friend! -Virginia Stokes

I'd like to say that he made me feel welcome and comfortable. Last year was my first year here and he made me feel like a part of the "family". -Susan Weathersbee

I will always remember Mr. Dabbs smiling face and his term for Thursday, "Little Friday." He always made me laugh. -Susan Green

Thomas Dabbs was a true southern gentleman who loved his family, his country, his school, and his church. He made such a positive difference in every life he touched. Whenever he was in the library assisting with classes, he was a master storyteller. The students old and young flocked to his side listening to his voice create magic with his words. We all loved his morning radio show and weekly article in the paper. He was quite a professional journalist besides being a talented educator. The students all enjoyed being interviewed by him. He will be missed, and his memory will be cherished. He was a gentle leader and my friend. -Liz Simon

Mr. Dabbs will certainly be missed by all of us at REL. He and I shared a planning period together last year. We shared many stories and many Raley's hamburgers together. I learned a lot about Mr. Dabbs during this time. I learned how much he loved his family, his country, his school and all of us at REL. But, I think the most important thing I learned from him was to live life to the fullest and don't let the small things get you down. He became a good friend to me and I will greatly miss him and all of his wonderful stories and advice. Mr. Dabbs, I look forward to the day that I " Come into your (new) house". -Donna Scott

Mr. Dabbs and I frequently discussed our different battles with cancer. He was excited for me because my all important "five years" were almost up. He was always upbeat and lifted my spirits whenever he was around. I taught across the hall from him two years ago when I had an eighth grade class. I don't believe I could have made it without his support and encouragement. Once he even took one of my disruptive students and kept him in his class until the bell rang. I shall miss his vivacious presence here at REL. -Marilyn Adams

Mr. Dabbs was one of those special people who had a way of lightening the spirits of everyone around him. He was never at a loss for words, and ALWAYS had a story to tell. When he and Mr. Doty or Mr. Stuckey were together in the teachers' lounge, you could count on learning something about the movies, politics, and how everyone is related along with so much more. He truly loved this school and the students here and they loved him! He always remembered to ask me about Madison and Manning and how they were doing and reminded me often that we would survive the "college years". He never forgot his students and both present and former students will miss him greatly. Few people have the presence that Mr. Dabbs possessed and he will never be replaced! I am comforted to know that he is in a place where everyday is "Little Friday". -Betsy Bramlett

To Virginia and all others who made this wonderful tribute to Thomas a reality, I want to say "thank you". I knew Thomas when he worked in the public school realm, and I could always count on him to come every single day to my office to brighten my day, tell me a joke, share some funny gossip, and talk about his beloved family. The stories he told about his mother were endearing, as well.
I believe someone has already said that Thomas was a true southern gentleman...that he was, and so much more. He was dedicated to every student he dealt with, rich or poor, whether they had a handicap to overcome, or had beat the best odds to "bloom". He loved his precious Carol and Lauren, his friends, his students, former and present, and when he left a room, there was still a aura of joy in his wake. He had a heart as big as the world, and a faith in God that always touched his life and others.
I have lost a true friend, just as you have. I hope we shall all be suited to meet in "Thomas's house" when the time for us comes.
Thank you, Thomas, for touching all of us, young and old, black or white, good or bad. You have made a difference in all of our lives. -Janie Mathis

Mr. Dabbs always had a way of making this world a better place. He always saw the silver lining the storm clouds. Even when he was having a bad day, he would find a way to smile and make those around him smile. My fondest memories of him include the ones where he took the time to make those around him feel special. I keep thinking of all the funny stories he shared with me over the years. But my mind keeps returning to one thing that he always did when young people would speak to him. Mr. Dabbs used to come to Bishopville Primary School almost daily to pick up Gordon Correll for lunch. He would enter the building dressed in his usual suit jacket and tie. To the little kids waiting in line to have lunch, he looked like someone very important. (He was) They would smile and say, “hello.” No matter how busy Mr. Dabbs may have been, he took that small moment and reached out to shake the student’s hand and ask his or her name. In that one act of kindness, Mr. Dabbs made those children feel “important.” I will never forget how he made it a point to live his life in a way that those around were important to him everyday. I won’t say goodbye my dear friend, only goodnight until we meet again. -Della Rhodes