Donald Allen Dick

Former Pastor and McComb High School Principal Donald Allen Dick, 82, went to his heavenly home on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Visitation will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church of McComb, with services there at 3:30 p.m. Dr. David Millican will officiate.
Donald was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was born in McComb on September 16, 1941, to Katherine Allen Therrell and Wilfred Arsene Dick, Sr.
He married the former Shirley Ann Bond and they would have celebrated their 58th anniversary on July 22.
Donald graduated from Magnolia High School in 1959. He attended Boys State, was president of the student body, named Mr. MHS, co-captain of the football team, named to the All-Conference team and awarded for the highest scholastic average of senior football players.
He earned a bachelor's degree in social studies and education from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1963, followed by a master's degree in Supervision and Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1976.
From 1963 to 1966, Donald taught at Brookhaven High School. He then dedicated nearly three decades to McComb High School as a teacher, activities director, assistant principal, and principal from 1966 to 1993.
From 1993 to 2000, he was also a consultant for the Mississippi Department of Education. He was the director of Centenary United Methodist Church Preschool from 2000 to 2005.
Donald held numerous leadership roles in educational and civic organizations. He served as president of the Mississippi Department of Classroom Teachers, the Mississippi Association of Educators, and was a member of the board of directors of the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. He attended three White House receptions during the Carter administration, where he was involved in significant educational legislation.
He also served on the board of directors for the Mississippi High School Activity Association and was recognized as a STAR Teacher while at McComb High School.
His commitment to his community extended beyond education. Donald was a pastor at First Christian Church in McComb for 38 years, served on the board of directors for the Great River Region of the Christian Church, and held pastoral roles at Robinson Baptist Church, Holmesville Baptist Church and Concord Baptist Church. He also was Baptist Student Union Director at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
He was active in various local organizations, including Concern Inc., Mission Pike County, MICA, St. Andrew's Mission, the Salvation Army, Downtown Ministers, the McComb Library Board and the McComb Housing Authority.
He chaired the Pike County Committee on Education, served as president and co-founder of Southwest Active Seniors, and held leadership positions in the United Givers, Pike County Arts Council, and the Sheriff's Advisory Committee.
Donald received numerous awards for his service and dedication, including the Exchange Club's Book of Golden Deeds Award, the Life Achievement Award by the Enterprise-Journal, the Times Award for Service, the Human Relations Post-Merger Award by the National Association of Educators, and the NEA Award for Distinguished Service.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wilfred Arsene Dick, Jr.
He is survived by his loving wife Shirley Bond Dick of Knoxville, Tenn.; three children, Brandt Allen Dick and wife Erica of Greenville; Kendall Bond Dick and wife Kimberly of Summit; and Emily Ann Dick Smith and husband Jesse of Knoxville; 11 grandchildren, Collin Emil Parker and wife Virginia of Knoxville; Cornelia Carol "Carlee" Welch-Dick Causey and husband Andy of Hattiesburg; Zachary Aidan Dick of Knoxville; Donald Christian Welch-Dick of Hattiesburg; Merrick James Smith and Canie Camille Smith, both of Knoxville; Maximillian Bond Welch-Dick of Summit; Lucy Claire Dick of Greenville; Jack Wyatt Kendall Welch-Dick of Summit; Jacob Kevin Dick and Evelyn Ruth Dick of Greenville; four great-grandchildren, Louella Marie Parker of Knoxville, Judah Lee Ransom Causey of Hattiesburg, Lincoln Mitchell Parker of Knoxville and Eliza Carol Causey of Hattiesburg.
Donald Dick's life was a testament to his commitment to education, faith, and community service. He will be remembered for his impactful contributions and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those around him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Christian Church, P. O. Box 1672, McComb, MS 39649.