Dabney Wharton

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dabney Miller Wharton, aged 76 years, of Arlington, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Kim, daughters, Andrea & Kristyn, and his niece, Peggy Duggin, whom he loved dearly. 

Dabney was born in Montross, Virginia, on June 20, 1948, to Lillie Mae White and Joseph Harvey Wharton. After his mother’s passing at the age of 11, his half-brother Joseph “U.B.” Wharton took guardianship of Dabney and brought him up to Arlington, Virginia, where he called ‘home’ the remainder of his life. 

Dabney was a proud graduate of Washington-Lee High School in 1966. With a semester short of graduating from college, he was drafted into the United States Army. After serving two years stationed at White Sands Missile Range (New Mexico) and the DMZ in Korea, Dabney returned to Arlington and began working for his half-brother at Glebe Radio & Appliances (est. 1946). In 1983, he purchased the business and spent over 40 years building relationships with customers and their families all across the D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia region. Known for his extensive product knowledge and customer service, Dabney took great pride in being an honest salesman and local business owner. As one of the oldest family-run businesses in the area, he and his store will remain a staple in the Arlington community. 

Dabney had an adventurous spirit and was incredibly well-traveled. From his stint in the military, to his glory days on the sports fields, or his many experiences exploring new countries and cultures, those who were close to him knew he always had a story to tell. A voracious reader full of charm and charisma, there was never a doubt that Dabney was the main character of his own story. Throughout his golden years, he became an avid golfer and loved nothing more than a Bloody Mary (with extra horseradish) and an early tee time. His laughter was infectious, his heart was bigger than he let on, and his wisdom was a gift to everyone that encountered him. He truly impacted so many people throughout his lifetime, and he will be profoundly missed. 

Friends and family are invited to join the Wharton Family for a Celebration of Life service that will take place at Columbia Gardens Cemetery on April 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. There is a chance the Arlington Boulevard entrance may be inaccessible at the time of the service. Please check the website for directions to other entrances.

Flowers for the service can be sent through the CGC website – look for ‘Upcoming Services’. Donations can be made in Dabney’s honor to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, where he rescued his beloved dog, Lucy.