Richard "Dick" Pickett

1934 - 2024

Richard "Dick" Pickett

April 8, 1934 - July 14, 2024

Durham, North Carolina - Richard "Dick" Crumpler Pickett, 90, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away after a series of health issues on July 14, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. Dick was a gregarious man with a larger-than-life personality who charmed those he met with his sense of humor, lighthearted pranks, and practical jokes. He was born on April 8, 1934, to Henry Floyd Pickett and Annie Pearl Crumpler in Durham, North Carolina.

Dick was a devoted husband who doted on his "Bride", Shirley Pope. The two met in first grade at Hope Valley School in 1940. They married in 1954 and spent the next 70 years raising their children and grandchildren and relishing life. He loved Kerr Lake and spent many weekends teaching all his children how to water ski and enjoy boating.

Dick was a hard worker with an affinity for arithmetic, management, and business. After graduating from Hope Valley School in 1952, he studied Engineering at Duke University and was enrolled in the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidates School. In 1954, Dick left his studies to focus on his young family and to help lead his family's business, Cole's Sausage Company. Founded in 1915, the company made and delivered hundreds of pounds of sausage to grocery stores and restaurants around the Triangle each week. After the company closed in 1985, Dick joined his good friend Norman Whitaker at Brown Brothers Plumbing & Heating where he served as Safety Officer until his retirement in 1996.

Dick was an active leader at Yates Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon, choir member, Cubmaster, and Scoutmaster at the church. As a youth, he achieved the Boy Scouts of America rank of Life Scout and received the God and Country Award. As a Scoutmaster, he ensured all three of his sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. The Occoneechee Council awarded him the Silver Beaver Award for his service to youth. As a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, he served on the OA Cook Crew for Occoneechee Lodge. He served on staff at several National Jamborees. He demonstrated service to others in all facets of his life. As he would say, 'service before feathers.' He was a member of the Masons, a charter member of the Iron Dukes, and the Durham Sports Club.

Dick may be best known as an avid Duke basketball and football fan. His daily Duke garb included his signature suspenders, jacket, and cap. He never missed a home game and attended fifty-two consecutive ACC Tournaments. He built his life around the Duke football and basketball schedules and even had a custom-designed Duke van.

He loved driving and enjoying delicious food. He stayed busy during retirement by delivering cars for University Ford. He and his buddies had every good restaurant across the state mapped out. Dick's magnanimous personality mirrored his six-foot frame and deep, smooth voice. His grandchildren remember him for his ample "two-seater" lap and his choruses of "Hello Darlin'" and "Elvira" with his voice dropping an octave. Dick had a gentle tenderness and love for animals. He owned many dogs and one ornery cat.

Dick's legacy is one of love, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his family. He leaves a lasting impact on all who knew him, instilling a sense of joy and adventure in his children and grandchildren. His infectious spirit and kind heart will be remembered fondly by friends and family.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Annie Pearl Pickett, sister Lucy Pickett Terrell and brother-in-law James P. Terrell. He is survived by his wife Shirley, brother Scott, sons Richard (Martha), Tony (DeAnna), Bobby (Carol), daughter Lisa Pickett Crawford (Philip Jezierski), five grandchildren (Nissa, Channa, Chase, Jami, Jannah), eight great-grandchildren, niece Debbie Griffin (Ned) and nephew Jim Terrell (Laurie).

Services will be held at Yates Baptist Church, 2819 Chapel Hill Road, Durham, NC 27707 on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Yates Baptist Church's Honoring God's House Fund, an organization Dick felt strongly about.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.