Dallas J. Raby Sr.

Major Dallas J. Raby Sr. (Retired)
Born: April 9th, 1941
Promoted to Glory: October 24th, 2018

Major Dallas John Raby Sr., 77, of Rockford, IL was promoted to Glory early Wednesday morning, October 24th, surrounded by his family at home.

Dallas was born to Art and Luella Raby on the 9th of April 1941 in Flint, MI, the second of three children. He married Phyllis Ann Gilmour at the Salvation Army Flint Citadel on the 15th of June, 1963. Dallas began playing in a brass band at a young age and developed a talent for the euphonium. He became an award-winning instrumentalist as well as an instructor. Throughout his life he played with several well-regarded ensembles and influenced many young players in the world of Salvation Army brass bands. Dallas worked as an engineer at General Motors in Flint, MI before being called to serve God as a Salvation Army officer. He and Phyllis entered the Salvation Army School for Officers Training in Chicago in the fall of 1973 and were commissioned as Officers (ordained ministers) in June of 1975, serving in appointments around the Midwest for 35 years. Dallas’s engineering background and a skill with tools served him well over the years. He seemed to be able to fix or build anything. Most summer vacations were spent at the cabin he helped build on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Dallas was loved for his ability to encourage others to be successful without taking credit for himself. He will be remembered for his gentle leadership, his skills in music and ministry, and for his subtle wit.

Dallas is survived by his wife, Phyllis; sisters Katharine (David) Stewart, and Margaret Chasteen; daughters, Lisa (Bradford) Brown and Wendy (Randy) Bonifield; sons, Dan (Samantha) Raby and Dallas Raby, Jr. grandchildren, Austin Brown, Erin (Bennett) Johnson, Hannah Bonifield, David Raby, Alexander Raby and Grace Bonifield.
Memorial visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. on November 3rd, 2018, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 at The Salvation Army Temple Corps, 500 S. Rockford Ave. Rockford, IL 61104.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army Rockford Temple Band or to Women’s Restorative Justice, via the Rockford Temple Corps (address above).