Marvin Lester Dancy

Marvin Dancy: Our Quarterback

Marvin Lester Dancy was born to a large, loving family in the heart of Eagle Lake, Texas. Martin and Josephine Washington Dancy welcomed him on October 17, 1949 to what became a household of four boys and five girls. He attended South Pointe Baptist Church and received Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age. As a typical youngster growing up, he enjoyed baseball, basketball, and other sports. He received his education in the public schools of Garwood, Texas, and enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Logistics Specialist in 1971. After serving, he studied accounting and received his HVAC certification from Trident Technical College in 1982.

Marvin met Miss Jannifer Melvin while she worked as a car hop at Target Drive-In Restaurant on Rivers Avenue. After dating a short while, they married on May 5, 1973 at Charity Baptist Church. They began their lives together in holy matrimony with Jannifer working for the government and Marvin working as a forklift operator at Tri-Star Freight. In 1980, the couple joyfully welcomed their first and only bouncing baby girl, Sonseraé Terran-Lynette, who was the absolute apple of his eye!

Marvin progressed to become quite the all-around guy and man for all seasons. He was skilled as a handy man, a contractor's helper, and a talented woodworker. He worked on the Charleston Air Force Base both as a Requisitions Clerk at the Officers' Club, and for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department. At the Charleston Naval Base, he worked as a Logistics Specialist at the Supply Center. Finally, he worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for Greystar of Daniel Island for six years before retiring in 2008.

Marvin Dancy loved his Lord! He was dedicated in his faith to the Lord and lived for Jesus every day. His light shined in the way he consistently loved his family and others throughout the years. His generous heart was matched only by his signature huge smile and the joy of the Lord defined him. Pastor Jay Charles Levy recognized his commitment to Charity Baptist Church, which led to Marvin's being invited to become a walking deacon. After proving faithful, he was ordained to the deacon board where he served dutifully and with honor. Deacon Dancy's history of Christian service followed him wherever he fellowshipped and spanned more than 30 years.

While Marvin's many interests included fishing and baseball, his greatest pastime was watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys football team play. He was a die-hard fan who believed in his team despite its ups and downs, and often traded good-natured barbs with his son-in-law and Miami Dolphins fan, Charles Miller, Jr. His passion for the pigskin was surpassed only by the birth of his granddaughter in 2014, Charidan Dancy Miller, who is a staunch Philadelphia Eagles fan. The joy and delight of his heart for the past seven years, she and her kitten-brother, Samson Winston Miller, enjoyed countless days being spoiled by their "Popeye."

Marvin did not live to witness this year's Super Bowl, as Wednesday, February 2, left a gaping hole in the family's starting lineup. Three brothers, Lehmann, Freeman, and Clemmon Dancy, and a sister, Lizzie Anderson, all preceded him in death. In addition to Jannifer, Marvin leaves to mourn his passing his daughter Sonseraé (Charles) Miller of North Charleston, SC and granddaughter Charidan. He is also survived by his sisters, Maudesta Hurd (Sam), Josie Bankston (Morris), Roberta Middleton (Fred), and Bessie Mae Dancy of Texas. Additionally, he leaves behind sisters-in-law Marilyn M. Goodson, Jeraldine M. Heyward (Melvin) and Winifred M. Cooper of Charleston, SC. He also touched the lives of a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and family friends.