Reverend Dr. R. Clement Dickey Jr.

1934 - 2022

Reverend Dr. R. Clement Dickey, Jr. "Clem" passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the age of 87. He was a beloved husband, father, "2nd father", and friend to so many. Born December 4, 1934, in San Antonio, TX, he grew up in Kerrville, TX, graduated from Southwestern at Memphis, and received his Master of Divinity degree from Austin Seminary and Doctorate in Ministry from McCormick Seminary. He served for the Presbyterian Church in South TX, and was called in 1976 to serve as the Executive for Norfolk Presbytery, Presbyterian Church USA, which was the regional governing body for 65 churches, based in Norfolk, VA. He retired in 1990, and moved to Mathews, VA full time with his wife Pat, and went on to run his own small business, Clergy Tax Services for nearly 20 years. In 2008, he joined his family as a business partner to help establish The Inn at Tabbs Creek Bed and Breakfast in Port Haywood, VA. Throughout his life, Clem was called to the service of Christ, and Christ's calling to serve others. His many accomplishments and examples of leadership are numerous.

He was Vice-Chair of the board of trustees that raised funds to establish an amazing retirement community in Westminster Canterbury on the Chesapeake Bay in Va. Beach in 1982. He worked with Suffolk Presbyterian Church to establish EDMARC Hospice for Children and was Chair of the board when EDMARC became a part of Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters in 1996. After arriving in Mathews, his contributions included multiple board positions over several years and was chair of the Board that undertook a major renovation of Mathews Memorial Library as well as Chair of Board that built the new Mathews Gloucester Humane Society animal shelter. Clem loved life and loved to laugh! Devoted to his faith, he would still end a sermon early if it meant that the Dallas Cowboys were playing an early game on Sunday. He also loved playing board games, cards and dominoes, food and travel, and did not shy away from learning about other cultures. A bit of a bookworm and history buff, he was the guy you wanted on your Trivial Pursuit team when you needed extra help with categories of history and geography. He was always embracing the idea of extended family and didn't hesitate to welcome all into his heart and home. He was a wonderful support to his family, encouraging his wife to live her dream of becoming an attorney, and supported his children so that they would be the best versions of themselves as well as good stewards of the earth and community. He enjoyed parties with friends, and his share of bourbon and scotch. He could eat fresh oysters or Texas BBQ all day long. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Clement Dickey, Sr. and Mary Vineyard Dickey.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Patricia B. Dickey, as well as his children, Lori Brooks Dusenberry, (Greg), and David Clement Dickey, as well as first cousin, Leighton McCutchen. A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 2 pm at Christ Episcopal Church in Mathews, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his honor to the Mathews Community Foundation, Kingston Parish Episcopal Church, or the Gloucester Mathews Humane Society. Faulkner Funeral Home, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Virginia is assisting the family.