Rufus Earl Dabbs, Sr., age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, December 13,
2023 at his home in Statesboro under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice. He was a native of
Screven County and a member of First United Methodist Church of Statesboro, Ga.
He attended high school in Screven County and went on to receive a BBA in Accounting at The
University of Georgia in 1959. After graduating with honors, he attended advanced taxation
study under direction of the Internal Revenue Service at Vanderbilt University. He was an
involved member in numerous tax institutions, professional societies, and received superior
performance awards with over 33 years as a practicing CPA. He was the founding member of
Dabbs, Hickman, Hill, and Cannon located in Statesboro and Savannah Ga. He was a community
leader with endless awards and accolades for his service to Bulloch County.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Dabbs and Vita Mae Gwinnett Dabbs, his
brothers, Bobby Dabbs, Delma Dabbs, and Ernest Dabbs. He is survived by his sister, Mary
Dabbs Brown (Jim), of Waycross, Ga.
Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Jewel Lucas Dabbs, children Earl Dabbs Jr. (Beverly) of
Statesboro, Kelly Dabbs (Heather) of Statesboro, and Julie Williams (Brad) of Statesboro, 9
grandchildren, Hannah Dabbs Durden (Hunter), Sarah Grace Dabbs, Ava Dabbs and Ryalie
Dabbs, Chandler Williams, Jackson Williams, Bailey Williams, Sophie Williams and Celia
Williams.
The family gives special thanks to his loyal and loving caregivers Mrs. Sherry Thomas of Kildare,
Ms. Gracie Williams of Statesboro, Ms. Gwen Williams, Ms. Pecola Louis and Ms. Lynn Walden
of Statesboro for all of their dedication, love, kindness and time with our family.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00 am, at First United
Methodist Church of Statesboro with Rev. Doug Fairbanks officiating. A private graveside
service will follow at Eastside Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Steve Cannon, Billy Hickman, Edwin Hill, Wade Hodges, Brad Riner and Will
Self.
The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to Statesboro First United
Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2048, Statesboro, Ga., 30459, and Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box
531, Statesboro, Ga. 30459.
Deal Funeral Directors of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Rufus Earl Dabbs, Sr., please visit our floral store.
