Charles Hamor Dickerson

Charles Hamor "Chuck" Dickerson, 86, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024 after a short illness.
Born in Hammond, Indiana to the late Earl and Joanne (nee Sakes) Dickerson, Chuck was raised in Wood River, Illinois, where he was a standout athlete earning all state honors in three sports at Roxanna High School. After graduation, he played football for the University of Florida for two years before joining the United States Marine Corps. Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Chuck re-entered college playing football at the University of Illinois, where he earned all-Big Ten honors. He was drafted by both the Cleveland Browns and the Boston Patriots and had a short career in the AFL, the NFL, and the CFL. He then embarked on his true passion, coaching athletes at every level of competition, culminating as a coach for the Buffalo Bills from 1987 to 1991. Following his coaching career, he became a sports talk radio host for radio station WGR in Buffalo, NY.
While he was passionate about his work career, he was equally passionate about his family. He was married to his wife, Shirley Dickerson (nee LeMastus), for nearly 60 years until her passing in 2020. He is survived by his son and daughter in law, Chris and Karen Dickerson; granddaughters Katherine (and her husband, Brackston), Elizabeth (and her husband, Joseph), Hannah, and Madeline. He was blessed to have spent time with his great-grandson, Cameron. He also loved and was loved by countless other family members, friends, and fur babies.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy, Palatine, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation in Chuck's honor be made to Orphans of the Storm animal shelter in Deerfield, Illinois. For information, please call 847-359-8020.