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Chris Dickerson Obituary
During the 1960s, Chris did much physique modeling, and his nude work for photographer Jim French in the 1970s is today considered some of the best in this field. Chris was one of the world's most titled bodybuilders, his career spanning more than thirty years. He was known for his heavily muscled, symmetrical physique and for his graceful skills on the posing dais. Chris was the first African American to win AAU Mr. America in 1970, won Mr. Universe in 1974, was the first openly gay winner of the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest in 1982, and was one of only two to win titles in both Mr. Olympia and Masters' Olympia competitions in 1994. Chris was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000. He lived in south Florida for more than 20 years where he continued to train and conduct seminars. After visiting the Joe and Betty Weider Museum at the Stark Center for Physical Culture, University of Texas at Austin in 2011, Chris decided to donate his personal bodybuilding materials to this Center dedicated to preserving the history of strength and bodybuilding. Many of Chris's bodybuilding awards and trophies are on display at the Weider Museum.
Chris's mother and both of his brothers predeceased Chris. Chris was a member of the Calvary Chapel Church in Fort Lauderdale. His interment will be private, and he will be laid to rest at a family plot in Alaska. In lieu of cards or flowers donations in Chris's honor can be made to the Weider Museum. To donate in Chris's memory and support the Stark Center (a tax-exempt organization that is part of the University of Texas at Austin) go to www.starkcenter.org
and at the top of the page click "Donate." That link will take you to the donations page and on the right side you will see the Stark Center's name to donate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Dickerson
Robert Brady
January 10, 2025
You are so missed. You had an effect on my life you never truly understood. God´s speed.
Robert Brady
August 17, 2024
May you rest in eternal peace Chris. You were a wonderful person.
Art
January 11, 2024
Remembering over one year later Mr. Unforgettable Chris Dickerson.
Vic NY
July 13, 2023
The boss upstairs must finally be getting a workout, you left us to soon brother. A true gentleman...the world was a better place with you in it.
Art
April 13, 2023
Chris was truly one of the best bodybuilders in the world and a true artist at posing with seemingly effortless grace from one pose to the next. May he rest well.
Bradley Schlichting
December 7, 2022
I only knew you a very short time and I wish i had known you better.
C.W.
June 3, 2022
I´m going to miss you!!
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