William Arthur Dickerson

William Arthur Dickerson passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 21, 2025, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was 88 years old.

Born on January 17, 1937, in Henderson, North Carolina, William was the son of Roy Fredrick Dickerson and Lucy Hicks. He grew up with a love for the outdoors, an insatiable curiosity, and a gift for seeing the world with wonder.

William served his country with honor as a member of the United States Army, working as a helicopter mechanic both in the U.S. and abroad in Europe. Following his military service, he worked briefly as a prison guard before joining the Forestry Service. He later found his true professional home with Carolina Biological Supply Company in Burlington, North Carolina.

Though not formally trained in the sciences, William was a self-taught biologist whose sharp eye and patient observation helped shape how countless students would experience the natural world. While leading the Warrenton, N.C. branch of Carolina Biological, he pioneered the processes that made it possible to observe metamorphosis in the classroom. His work with the tobacco hornworm and painted lady butterfly created opportunities for tens of thousands of students to witness the miracle of transformation firsthand. William later retired from Carolina Biological’s corporate office in Burlington, leaving behind a legacy of curiosity, innovation, and education.

He married the love of his life, Carolyn, with whom he shared 58 years of devotion and partnership until her passing in 2019. Together, they built a family rooted in faith, love, and service.

William is survived by his daughters, Teresa Robinson (Michael) of Pinehurst, N.C., and Stacie Vokaty (Chris) of Blythewood, S.C.; his beloved granddaughter, Elliana Vokaty; his sister, Sylvia Greene of Union Level, Va.; and his brother, Robert Dickerson of Henderson, N.C.

A man of many passions—fishing, traveling, and, most of all, connecting with others—William found particular joy in exploring the American West. He spent countless hours reading, studying maps, and planning family trips that deepened his fascination with the vast landscapes, rugged mountains, and wide-open skies he so loved. Those journeys created treasured memories for his family and reflected his sense of adventure and awe for creation.

William lived by the belief that “to have a friend, you must first be one.” His warmth extended to everyone he met, whether a neighbor down the street or a stranger encountered on mission trips. His Christian faith was the foundation of his life, and he would want this moment to be more than remembrance. To all who read these words, William extends a heartfelt invitation: welcome Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, at First Baptist Church in Burlington, N.C. Family visitation will follow immediately in The Gathering Place Community Room at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church.

William Arthur Dickerson lived a life of faith, service, curiosity, and love. His legacy endures in the family who loved him dearly, the friends who cherished him, and the countless students whose lives were touched by his work.