Herbert Eugene Dailey Sr.

Herbert “Herb” Eugene Dailey Sr., 79, passed away on September 4, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. He was born on January 28, 1947, in Murphysboro, Illinois, the son of Robert Dailey and Beulah Esther Niswonger Dailey.

Herb was, quite simply, a good man—a man who loved deeply, stood firmly for the things he believed in, and made sure the people he cared about knew exactly how he felt about them.

A proud Vietnam veteran, Herb served two tours during the Vietnam War. His love for his country and his pride in having served remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

For the majority of his professional life, Herb was an electromotive engineer who built locomotives. For years, he could spot identifying features on a locomotive and know whether he had been involved in its construction.

Herb loved motorcycles and treasured the brotherhood he found through his involvement in motorcycle clubs. He and his wife served as Chapter Directors of the FL1-A Tampa Chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association in 2005, 2006, and 2007. They were also recipients of the 2004 Johnny Lovengreen Award for Outstanding Contributions to Motorcycling. Riding was more than a hobby to Herb. It brought together his love of the open road and the camaraderie of those who shared his passion.

Anyone who knew Herb also knew of his immense love for animals. He had an especially soft spot for dogs. He leaves behind his beloved dog, Skippy, who held a special place in his heart. He also never stopped missing his precious service dog, Princess. She went everywhere with Herb and was his constant companion, his pride and joy. If you saw Herb, Princess was at his side.

He enjoyed shooting and marksmanship and spent countless hours caring for his shooting equipment, making sure each piece was spotless and perfectly sighted in.

Herb will always be remembered for the deep love he had for his family. He was a quiet and unassuming man, but he never hesitated to express that love. He and his wife, Lynn, shared 32 years of marriage, and Herb never took their love for granted. He spoke often—and proudly—about how much he loved and appreciated her.

That same willingness to express his love extended to his entire family, and he always made sure they knew how he felt. A visit with Herb rarely ended without an “I love you,” and those simple words, spoken so freely and sincerely, are now among the memories his family will treasure most.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Martha Jane Dailey; and his granddaughter, Shannon Renee Dailey.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lynn; his children, Christine M. Dailey (David Vandiver) of Midland, Texas; Herbert E. Dailey Jr. of Romeoville, Illinois; Jeffrey S. Dailey (Ling Soumphonpakdy) of Crest Hill, Illinois; Christine Kressin Solmon (Bobby) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; Robert Logan of Lutz, Florida; Joey Hodge of Spring Hill, Florida; and Carol Baxter Harrison (Jerry) of San Francisco, California.

He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Grammer of Murphysboro, Illinois; his brother, John Keller of Murphysboro, Illinois; his grandchildren, Jessica Dailey, Austin Vandiver, Sarah Drake, Stephanie Drake, Jacob Dailey, Camille Dailey, Abrey Dailey, Nathan “Dean” Logan, Griffin Harrison (Fernanda), Aishlin Harrison, and Dylan Harrison; and his great-grandchildren, Bentley Sernulka and Ada Harrison.

One of the best things that can be said about a person’s life is also one of the simplest:

Herb was a good man.

He served and loved his country.

He loved and protected animals.

He was fiercely dedicated to those he loved.

He will be greatly missed by his family, who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.