Obituary

DANIEL HOWARD DORSEY, SR.

Took his final flight during the early morning hours of Monday, October 12.

Dan was born on November 9, 1927, to the late Russell Edgar Gaskins, Sr. and Elizabeth "Liza" Grigsby. In his early years, he attended the one-room school in Willisville, VA. While working in the Middleburg area, he met and married the love of his life, the late Maria Virginia Dorsey. They were married for 66 years.

In March 1946, Dan joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Japan. His travels there became the subject of many conversations with family and friends. He often spoke of the culture and landscape and even returned home with a rudimentary grasp of the Japanese language, frequently ending conversations with "Sayonara." During family reunions, he entertained the children by singing a song in Japanese that local residents taught him as his deployment came to an end. He said it meant, "Goodbye, I'll be seeing you again someday."

Dan was an avid outdoorsman and horseman who worked as a groom for many of the estates in Middleburg and Upperville, Virginia. Families who sought his expertise included the Sands, Randolphs, Wards, and Lees. He spent many years tending racehorses at the Middleburg Training Track, located within walking distance of his home.

A humble man, Dan lived modestly, close to the land. He loved to fish and taught his sons to share that passion. He often took the neighborhood children and any youngster willing to accompany him to nearby fishing holes. He was a small farmer who raised rabbits and goats. And he loved tending his large garden and grape arbor. Many remember the fresh vegetables, sweet corn, and grape jelly he generously shared with friends and neighbors.

A social and well-known member of his community, Dan's connection to the equestrian world brought him into contact with governors, senators, and other public figures. It was not uncommon to come home and learn that Senator John Warner had stopped by for a friendly chat.

And Dan loved sports… any sport! The sports channel was practically the only channel on television in his home. He was, of course, a devoted Washington Commanders fan; much to the dismay of other members of the household!

On his 80th birthday, Dan received a letter from Barack and Michelle Obama recognizing that he had “witnessed many milestones in our nation's history” and that his life “represented an important part of the American story." That letter still hangs proudly in his home.

Most importantly, Dan loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Willisville United Methodist Church in Willisville, Virginia, serving quietly and diligently until declining health prevented his attendance. He loved to sing and spent many years singing with the men's choir.

The family misses Dan deeply, but "we do not grieve as those who have no hope." Daniel Howard Dorsey, Sr. ("Daddy," "Dad," "Pops,", "Granddad") is with Jesus now, and we are at peace.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maria Virginia Scott Dorsey; his oldest son, Daniel Howard Dorsey, Jr.; and two brothers, John Gaskins, Sr. and Contee Dorsey.

HIS LEGACY: Dan leaves to mourn his passing his brother, Russell Edgar Gaskins, Jr.; four children: Dorothy Ann Foust, Maurice Delbert Scott (Pauline), Teresa Elaine Dorsey, and Edgar Matthew Dorsey; two goddaughters, Delores Jackson Newcomb (Tom) and Eleanor Jackson; six nieces, Helen Avery (Charles) and Joan Jones; Joan Gaskins, Gladys Barbara Gaskins, Karen Gaskins, and Emma Dorsey, two nephews, Russel Gaskins, III, Jeffrey Gaskins, four grandchildren, Donwan Tines, Triffney Mercado (Freddie), Daniel Maurice Scott (Nicole), and Sharae Ferebee Cook (Phillip); seven great-grandchildren, Brittney Tines, Gabriel Mercado, Alexis Daley (Bevan), Jayden Daniel Scott, Jaylen Cook, Kaden Cook, and Maia Cook; and two great-great-grandchildren, Elias Barnes and Brayden Daley, along with many other cherished cousins, relatives, and friends.

"SAYONARA... I'LL BE SEEING YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY."