WILLIAM DICKEY Obituary

Jan 17, 1920 - Sept 21, 2012 MIDWEST CITY William E. Dickey, Jr., age 92, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of September 21, 2012, in Midwest City, OK. Bill, or W.E., as he was also known, lived every moment of that long life to the fullest. He was a great representative of the "Greatest Generation."Bill was born in Dover, AR on January 17, 1920, to William Ewell and Cora E. (Floyd) Dickey. Bill grew up in the Eufaula, OK area. Bill started piano studies at age five. The piano became his lifelong passion. Bill graduated from Eufaula High School at age 16 and earned his Bachelor's in Music from Northeastern College in 1940. He continued his music education at the University of Oklahoma. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he left school to join the military.He served as a Marine Corps Aviator and flew SBD Dive Bombers. Bill and his squadron served in the Pacific War, where he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and seven Air Medals.Bill and his wife, Betty, were married on August 3, 1945. They settled in Seminole, OK, where he owned and managed the Chief Theater.Bill was called back to service during the Korean War and was stationed in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was deployed to Europe as a close air support instructor.Bill was honorably discharged in 1955. The family moved to Midwest City, where he started a civil service career at Tinker Air Force Base as part of a pioneer team of computer programmers. In the late 1950s, Bill transferred to the Federal Aviation Agency, retiring as a Branch Chief in 1975.Bill resumed his piano playing at several churches in Midwest City. For years, he played the piano at the Midwest City Furr's Cafeteria. In the early 1990s, Bill and Betty moved to Muskogee, OK. In 2006, Bill and Betty moved to Moore, OK, where Betty passed in 2007. Bill turned his energy to many causes, including diabetes awareness, his music, politics, and his family.Bill is survived by four children and their spouses, Mike and Mary Dickey, Mary Lou and Tom Lowe, Dr. Thomas Dickey and Michelle Judd, and David and Shelly Dickey. Grandchildren include Brent Campbell, Matthew Dickey, Daniel Lowe and wife Lee Anne, Jonathan Dickey and Jared Dickey; and one great-grandchild, Simon Lowe.A grave site memorial service for family and friends will be held on Friday, October 12th at 2 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Eufaula, OK. Services will be under the direction of Foster-Petering Funeral Home of Muskogee, OK.

Published by Oklahoman on Oct. 7, 2012.
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To the family of Mr. Dickey, I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your loved one. He was my dear friend... He was a very special person and I am blessed to have known him. I never met Mr. Dickey in person, but, we talked often over the phone, I was his family advocate when loss his beloved Mrs. Betty in 2007 and through that trying time, we struck up a friendship. I am a better person for knowing him, He would often talk about his family, very often, and I know one thing for sure .he loved them with all of his heart and soul. Rest in peace Mr. Dickey…I will miss you very much. …. May God hold you in the palm of his hand respectfully

Sandra K. Friday

October 25, 2012

I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk through this difficult time. On behalf of a grateful nation as an expression of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one. (If you wish a personalized memorial card mailed to you with history of playing of taps, 21 gun salute, meaning of each fold of the flag as a keepsake, mail to: Chaplain Richard Reuer, Honoring Those Who Served Ministry, 1206 6th St SW, Minot, ND 58701. (This is a free service to fallen veteran families.) Thank you. Semper Fi

Chaplain Richard Reuer

October 8, 2012

Bill & Betty were like 2nd parents to me for most of my childhood. He was a wonderul father to Mike,Mary Lou, Tommy,& David. I know he will be greatly missed by all of them. But,he is at peace as he joins Betty in Heaven.

Penny (Ames) Anderson

October 8, 2012

He left a beautiful legacy for his children - a life well and fully lived. My sympathy to the family - Dana Price

October 8, 2012

What a remarkable man! I know that he will be greatly missed, and that his impact will live on in the lives of his children and all he touched.

Janet Kang

October 8, 2012

Your love for God and country will always shine bright in the lives you touched. Thank you!

Suzanne Anderson

October 7, 2012

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