Paul "Tall Paul" Dickens (February 2, 1950 - January 19, 2026) passed away peacefully in his sleep following complications from Parkinson's.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Paul lived in Key Largo, Florida, off and on since 1978, and several years in Gainesville and Starke. Wherever he lived, Paul became a familiar and well-loved presence in the community. Known for his warm spirit, easygoing nature, and a sense of humor that was never far from the surface—always ready with a joke, a grin, or a story that made people feel at ease. His smile was infectious, and his laughter even more so.
An avid Cleveland sports fan, Paul proudly supported the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his hometown teams.
Paul lived a richly varied life. In his early years, he traveled coast to coast, embracing new places, people, and experiences along the way. A free spirit at heart, Paul valued life experiences, family and friends over possessions.
Over the years, Paul held many roles and wore many hats. He worked with the railroad, was a professional painter, coached youth sports, and some may remember Paul tending bar at the Caribbean Club back in the late 1970's and early 1980s, where his personality was as much a draw as the drinks.
For many years, Paul worked as a school bus driver in Monroe County, a role he truly cherished. He took pride in caring for the children he transported each day and was honored as Monroe County School Bus Driver of the Year, a recognition that reflected both his professionalism and his heart.
Paul was also deeply devoted to caring for his mother, Ruth, whom he lovingly supported and cared for in his home for many years throughout her battle with dementia.
Music was a constant companion in Paul's life. He loved the blues, classic rock, humorous genre-bending music, and Americana storytelling that told honest stories about life, time, and the people we meet along the way. He especially enjoyed live performances and playing acoustic guitar.
In his later years, with his long hair, relaxed demeanor, and unmistakable presence, Paul was often said to resemble singer-songwriter Leon Russell—a comparison he wore well, with ease and good humor.
Paul appreciated life's simple pleasures: a good drink and—most of all—good company. Paul will be remembered as a kind soul, a storyteller, a music lover, and a family man who lived authentically and freely.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Joan Johnston-Dickens; his children, Sean Dickens and Whitney Dickens Gonzalez (Jean); grandchildren Jack, Jordan, Leo, Troy, Maverick and Ozzie; his sister, Debora Dickens Kodger, of Destin, Florida; his brother, Dan Dickens, of Coral Way, Florida; his nieces, Emily Kodger Madden (Christopher), Amy Kodger Jones (Jason) and Megan Dickens; and his nephews, Dillon Dickens and Logan Dickens; and many more family and friends whose lives were brighter for having known him.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Paul lived in Key Largo, Florida, off and on since 1978, and several years in Gainesville and Starke. Wherever he lived, Paul became a familiar and well-loved presence in the community. Known for his warm spirit, easygoing nature, and a sense of humor that was never far from the surface—always ready with a joke, a grin, or a story that made people feel at ease. His smile was infectious, and his laughter even more so.
An avid Cleveland sports fan, Paul proudly supported the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his hometown teams.
Paul lived a richly varied life. In his early years, he traveled coast to coast, embracing new places, people, and experiences along the way. A free spirit at heart, Paul valued life experiences, family and friends over possessions.
Over the years, Paul held many roles and wore many hats. He worked with the railroad, was a professional painter, coached youth sports, and some may remember Paul tending bar at the Caribbean Club back in the late 1970's and early 1980s, where his personality was as much a draw as the drinks.
For many years, Paul worked as a school bus driver in Monroe County, a role he truly cherished. He took pride in caring for the children he transported each day and was honored as Monroe County School Bus Driver of the Year, a recognition that reflected both his professionalism and his heart.
Paul was also deeply devoted to caring for his mother, Ruth, whom he lovingly supported and cared for in his home for many years throughout her battle with dementia.
Music was a constant companion in Paul's life. He loved the blues, classic rock, humorous genre-bending music, and Americana storytelling that told honest stories about life, time, and the people we meet along the way. He especially enjoyed live performances and playing acoustic guitar.
In his later years, with his long hair, relaxed demeanor, and unmistakable presence, Paul was often said to resemble singer-songwriter Leon Russell—a comparison he wore well, with ease and good humor.
Paul appreciated life's simple pleasures: a good drink and—most of all—good company. Paul will be remembered as a kind soul, a storyteller, a music lover, and a family man who lived authentically and freely.
Paul is survived by his loving wife, Joan Johnston-Dickens; his children, Sean Dickens and Whitney Dickens Gonzalez (Jean); grandchildren Jack, Jordan, Leo, Troy, Maverick and Ozzie; his sister, Debora Dickens Kodger, of Destin, Florida; his brother, Dan Dickens, of Coral Way, Florida; his nieces, Emily Kodger Madden (Christopher), Amy Kodger Jones (Jason) and Megan Dickens; and his nephews, Dillon Dickens and Logan Dickens; and many more family and friends whose lives were brighter for having known him.
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