Joseph W. Dickey

Joseph W. Dickey, 81, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026. Joe grew up in Ft. Lauderdale. He earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a M.S. in Civil Engineering at MIT in Cambridge, MA. At MIT, Joe co-led research within a partnership between MIT and NASA to study questions regarding potential foundation properties on the moon. His and others' work assisted NASA in preparing for the first lunar landing, yet to occur at that time.

After his MIT days, Joe settled in south Florida to start his family and career. He held increasing positions of responsibility at Florida Power and Light (FPL) for 24 years, leading one of eight business units to win the prestigious Deming Prize in 1989. FPL was the first non-Japanese company awarded the Deming Prize. He truly enjoyed all aspects of work and achieving goals-especially leading people, knowing and respecting them well, and encouraging them effectively-and his enthusiasm for work and life was contagious.

Joe was recruited to TVA in 1991 (Chattanooga) and moved to Knoxville in 1994 as TVA's Chief Operating Officer, with executive responsibilities throughout a seven-state region. Joe's knowledge and ability to lead people were widely recognized throughout TVA and played a key role in the success of TVA's Total Quality Management program. His leadership style, vision for future business needs, and ability to build strong teams endeared him to so many within FPL and TVA. He balanced his strong people skills and excellent technical focus in ways that were ahead of his time.

Joe loved his family dearly. His way of engaging-asking important questions, listening intently to the other person without interrupting, and giving nonjudgmental support and advice-provided loving spaces for his family and friends. He had an intensely curious mind-seeking to understand, find newness, and remain open to possibilities-and was simultaneously a problem solver and strategic thinker. Joe loved witty repartee, and he loved to laugh. He was, surprisingly to some, a natural baby whisperer. Crying babies became calm and content in his arms as he gently and softly talked, holding them tenderly.

Joe often augmented his conversation skills with hand-drawn graphs and charts to add perspective others had not considered. He was a consummate time manager, balancing work, personal life, and engaging in various hobbies: intricately restoring furniture and other items, traveling throughout the U.S. and internationally, attending auctions of all types, publishing a stamp collector's newsletter for over a decade, and enjoying other intellectual and hands-on activities.

Joe's Christian faith always guided him and grew stronger as time went on. His business leadership as his church's first Parish Council President was instrumental in guiding process development and important parish decisions. Over the years, he served as an usher and later directed the usher program at church, welcoming others in his warm and ever-respectful manner. After a mild stroke in 2012 that impacted his vision for several months, he felt that God gave him renewed purpose, and he was determined to continue growing in his faith. As so many have remarked throughout the years, Joe was a very kind person.

Joe learned a powerful three-word phrase early in his career. It was part of his personal and professional foundation, and he also advised it as he mentored and coached many people throughout his life. It's an ancient phrase, pointing to mindfulness and living in the present-concepts important to Joe. He kept this phrase physically visible in his office and in how he lived his life: "Be here now."

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen Dickey; and his sister, Pam Dickey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Susan; son Joe Dickey, Jr., daughter Melissa Boff (David), and daughter Tiffany Curtin (Jay); mother of his children, Connie Dickey; grandchildren Patrick Boff (Tori), Leo Curtin, Katie Boff, Abby Curtin, Heidi Boff, Josie Curtin, and Mical Dickey; sister Sandy Smith (Randy), niece Kelly Morris, nephew Jackson Smith, and great-nephew Jacob Morris; nephew Dennis Vander Linde (Lynne) and family, nephew Don Vander Linde, Jr. (Sandy) and family, and Dwight Vander Linde; and many extended family members, friends, and a wonderful church family.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 13, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Apostles Anglican Church, 1540 Robinson Rd. Knoxville, TN 37923. The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2:00 p.m. at Apostles Anglican, with eulogy-reception following.

Flowers welcome; in lieu, please consider a donation in Joe's honor to Apostles Anglican Church or Wounded Warrior Project.