C.A. Dickson

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel 4278 Lafayette Street Marianna, Florida 32446 850.482.2332 850.526.4143 fax Charles Abner Dickson (C.A., Spunk, Uncle Monk) was the sixth child born to Callie Robbirds Dickson and Henry Marshall Dickson, Sr. on August 23, 1923, in Shady Grove, Florida. He went to be with his Lord on Friday, September 3, 2010, from Jackson Hospital. His grandmother, soon after his birth, carried him to his mother's bedside with the comment, "My he's a spunky little thing." From that day on his siblings and many others called him "Spunk". A little nephew could not make the "S" sound, so Spunk became "Monk". C.A. attended school in Grand Ridge. He was drafted to serve his country in World War II before graduating high school, but returned from Germany in 1945, to complete his senior year at Grand Ridge High School where he met the "love of his life," Billie- his devoted wife of 57 years. He was a graduate of Chipola Jr. College, attended Florida State University and completed continuing education courses at the University of Florida. His career in the food service industry included work at Florida School for Boys, Apalachee Correctional Institute, and Taylor County Vocational School. He retired from Marianna High School, where he managed the cafeteria and taught culinary arts. Spunk was a musician with God-given talent for playing several instruments. He was a member of the Ocheese Ridge Boys and Girls Band and played many hours at local nursing homes, retirement centers, and in many churches. He was extremely happy when "making music". He, his son, and grandson kept the art of cane syrup-making alive for many years. Both his family and Billie's family had made syrup. Also, sharing his farm produce with many people was a real ministry of his. C.A. served as Deacon at Grand Ridge Baptist Church, was a member of Masonic Lodge #169, and American Legion Post 241, and played an active role in many efforts to help people. He was truly a "people person". He was predeceased by his parents, Callie and H.M. Dickson, Sr., two brothers, Bernice and H.M. Dickson, Jr., and two sisters, Earse Lee Messer and Cecil Mae Barbaree. Survivors include his loving wife, Billie, one son, Chuck Dickson and fiance Janice; two grandchildren, Chad and Charli Dickson; his sister Lucille Baxter, and special in-law siblings; Jack Wester (Nell), and Jeanne Pelt. His nieces and nephews were very dear to him: Billy Dickson (Harriet), Geneva Burch (Marvin), Kathy Jarmon, Jimmy Dickson (Enricka), Henry Dickson (Sheila), Eudora Conner (Glenell), Diane Joiner (Mike), Peggy Cox (Jimmy), Jacqueline Tanner, Bonnie Baxter, Bob Baxter (Karen), Pat Butler, and Bob Barbaree (Vicky). His in-law nieces and nephews were as dear: Will Wester (Patty), Jacqueline McArthur (David), Penny Edwards (Terry), Joe Pelt (Barbara), and Sam Runfalo (Aaron). A host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends also survive. Tom Brokaw, in his book, "The Greatest Generation", stressed the importance of the sacrifices and contributions made by the men and women who shed their blood and made the ultimate sacrifices in their quest to literally save the world from the tyranny of evil regimes. In that book he describes those accomplishments of "The Greatest Generation." C.A. Dickson was truly one who exemplified those attributes. A celebration of the life and home going of C.A. will be held at Grand Ridge Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 7, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Caron Harn, Dr. Wiley Richards, Rev. Chester Padgett, and Rev. Gino Mayo officiating. Burial will follow in Carpenter Cemetery with James and Sikes Funeral Home directing. A visitation will be held at Maddox Chapel on Monday evening, September 6, 2010, from 6-8 P.M. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions in C.A.'s memory may be made to Grand Ridge Baptist Church, Emerald Coast Hospice, Florida Baptist Children's Homes, or The Gideon's.