Who is Papa Dabney from Return from Tomorrow and what is their importance?

Papa Dabney was George's grandfather. He owned a shoe store with a huge children's department, complete with a merry-go-round. Papa was an important figure in the lives of George and his sister, Mary Jane. They spent extended periods of time with Papa and Mama Dabney while their father was out of town. Papa Dabney's illness prompted George's interest in becoming a doctor. Though he realizes it's too late for him to help Papa Dabney, he felt compassion for his grandfather and the need to help others.