Richard J. Dicks, Sr.

Richard Jerome Dicks, Sr., was born on September 8, 1957, to the late Walter Dicks, Sr., and Margaret Richardson Dicks in Abingdon, Virginia. He departed this life peacefully on March 15, 2024, at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Richard was known by several nicknames. Tissel and Jazz were his favorites. However, if you knew him, you knew he was a person who enjoyed life and loved people.

He enjoyed a carefree, country upbringing in Southwest Virginia, graduating from Abingdon High School in 1975. After working a few years in the local area, the pull of adventure and seeing new places led him to enlist in the United States Navy and ultimately retire as a Navy Chief Petty Officer.

His Navy career took him around the world, visiting places like Japan, Belgium, France, Greece, and Turkey, to name a few. His career also included a family accompanied tour to Sigonella, Sicily.

He met and married the love of his life, the former Patsy Mears in 1983. Together, they raised two sons.

Richard cherished family and friends. Before his illness, you could count on him to pick up the phone just to say “Hi”, no other reason than to hear your voice and always end the call with “I love you”. He loved to laugh and his mega smile never dimmed, even in illness.

Richard was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan, regardless of how their season ended. His favorite baseball team was the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved music. While he did not play an instrument, music always found a way into his life. He enjoyed a variety of music to include: Frankie Beverly and Maze, Kirk Franklin and James Taylor, to name a few.

Richard is predeceased by his maternal and paternal grandparents; brothers, Walter Jr., and Robert Dicks; and a daughter, Leslie Sheleta Dicks.

Richard leaves to cherish his memories: His loving wife of 41 years, Patsy; sons, Adrien and Richard Dicks, Jr.; sister, Leslie Charlton; daughter, Sandra Boyd Gloria; brother, Kermit Swan; sister-in-laws, Annette Boone (Earl), Rose Dicks; brother-in-laws, Ralph Mears (Grenda), Anthony Sharpe; nine grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and close friends.

The family requests a memorial gathering on April 6, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM until the time of memorial services at 12:00 PM at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made as a tribute in memory of Richard J. Dicks, Sr. to The Doorways, 612 E. Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23219 or online at TheDoorways.org.

The family of Richard J. Dicks, Sr. is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, Main Street Chapel, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, 276-623-2700.