Bobby Dickerson

Bobby Dickerson was born on December 25, 1945, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to the union of Grady and Essie Mae Cummings Dickerson., Arkansas. Bobby was born into a large and loving family of 16 children. He accepted Christ at a very young age and joined Clayborn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Springhill Community.

He was a 1964 graduate of Rubdoux Sr. High School in Riverside, California, and worked for several years as the food service manager at the University of Redlands in Redlands, California.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 15, 1967, in Los Angeles, California. He received many medals, ribbons, and badges including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Purple Heart Medal with one Star, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Rifle Marksman Shooting Badge. He later enlisted in the US Army on July 9, 1987, and received the Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, and the M16 Rifle Expert Badge. He finally separated and retired from service in this country on July 22, 1992.

Bobby returned home to Arkansas to be closer to his family. He re-established close ties to his family and friends. He united with Greater Tate Temple COGIC. He was always very willing to help and contribute whatever was needed to provide the necessities for the ministry. His very hospitable actions were certainly a valuable asset among the congregation as he shared his very generous donations of delicious cakes and peppermint for various occasions.  Brother Dickerson, a very reserved and wise brother was very punctual while attending Sunday School and the worship experience on Sunday morning and was very conscientious of the time allotted for the Sunday School dismissal. His financial contribution to the ministry of Greater Tate was certainly beneficial in accomplishing the building of the new edifice.

Bobby was outgoing, he had a huge smile and truly a big heart. He gave special attention and care to his 3 beloved dogs.

 Bobby peacefully passed from this life on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in Arkadelphia. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Gladys Luster, Elizabeth Best, Grady Bell Garland, and Johnnie Mae Hill (2015), and five brothers Samuel Dickerson, James Dickerson, Joe Louis Dickerson, Billy Dickerson (his twin brother) and Windell Dickerson (2012).

His memory will be cherished by a special nephew and caregiver, Lawrence and Crystal Phillips of Arkadelphia; five sisters, Eunice Hennings of Batesville, AR, Pearline (Andy) Kennedy of Riverside, CA, Maudie Mae Robinson of Conyers, GA, Ethel Neely of Batesville, AR, and Jethrine Hibbler of Chicago, IL; one brother, Johnny Dickerson of Arkadelphia, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and friends.

Viewing will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.  Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Greater Tate Temple COGIC with Superintendent LeRoy Williams, eulogist. The committal service and final resting place will be at Richmond Hill Cemetery.