My Dad's Funeral Program

Saturday, the Second day of October, Two-Thousand Twenty-One at Noon Greater Open Door Missionary Baptist Church 1537 Florida Street • Memphis, TN 38109 PA S T O R R I C K E Y B E L L , O F F I C I AT I N G

Just as time knew to move on since the beginning And the seasons know exactly when to change Just as kindness knows no shame Know through all your joy and pain That we'll be loving you always.

As today we know we’re living, but tomorrow Could make us the past ... but that we mustn't fear Dad, we'll know deep in our minds The love of you you've left behind And we'll be loving you always.

- T O N I A ,

R Y A N

&

H E R M A N -

Adapted from the Lyrics to “As” by Stevie Wonder, one of dad's favorite songs to play on bass guitar.

REFLECTIONS O F

A

Herman Louis Dickey, Jr. was born to the late Herman Dickey, Sr. and Clara Bell Dickey October 29, 1949, at John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the oldest of his siblings who all looked up to him and admired him deeply as their “big brother”. He was affectionately known by the nickname “Skip,” a name that he wore with pride.

He accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and was baptized at the age of 12 (June, 1962) in a pond in Evansville, Mississippi by Reverend H. D. Triplett.

Skip was a multi-talented individual with gifts that covered several areas: including music, aviation, and air conditioning & refrigeration, just to name a few. He attended Southside High School where he participated in the school’s band (as a section leader) and other music programs.

After the passing of his father, he took his position as the family patriarch seriously, and served as the family historian with a tremendous collection of pictures, videos

WELL-LIVED and stories to share. As a devoted family man, Skip realized the importance of family unity and he organized family reunions, holiday gatherings, and jam sessions for many years. To his young nieces and nephews, “Uncle Skip” was a valuable resource on family history, and he was quick to share stories of family triumphs that helped them to successfully navigate through life. His siblings, children and other relatives have achieved varying levels of greatness in life as a direct result of his insight, input, and his stern (yet loving) way of giving “marching orders”.

Musically, Skip played multiple instruments fluently.

He served as bass guitarist for world-renowned STAX recording group, The Temprees, where he performed alongside his first cousin, Deljuan “Del” Calvin, and others. He also played piano/keyboard and had his own unique way of singing and teaching songs. In his younger days, he was a regular performer at the historic Club Rosewood in Memphis. He later served as a DJ for parties and events under the stage name, “DJ Sky Kidd”. He used his gift of music to glorify God in church

as well, serving frequently with the Youth Choir of Whitestone Baptist Church under the direction of Patty Warmsley. He formed many musical alliances in his lifetime and mentored several aspiring musicians who went on to pursue notable careers in the music industry, including Bryan Nesbitt of the Bar-Kays, his niece Dana Maclin (who accompanied him on many gigs), his oldest son, and several others.

A man of many achievements, Skip earned an Associate of Occupational Studies degree from Vatterott Career College in June of 2010 with a 3.81 grade point average. He went on to serve as Adjunct Instructor, HVAC Instructor, and HVAC Program Director for Vatterott, and he was highly respected by both students and colleagues. He served as a member of the Maintenance team for STAX Museum in 2003, Senior Manager for Mid America Apartments from 2001 – 2003, and Corporate Senior Technical Trainer for Mid-America from 1997 – 2001. Throughout his career, he also served Velsicol Chemical Corporation, The Cates Company, Fogelman Management Company, and Ramada Inn Hotels in various roles.

Aside from his regular job duties, Skip was everybody’s handyman! He was a home repair specialist who could literally fix anything, and he often performed services for people in need without accepting payment. He received an EPA Certification (Type I and Type II) in October of 1998, an Excellence in Teaching award from Vatterott College in August of 2004, and several awards for proficiency and service while serving in the Maintenance Department for Ramada Inn Hotels.

Venturing into the world of aviation, Skip obtained a solo engine pilot rating in July of 1992, and he was recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration in the September 2013 edition of the Aviation Business Gazette. He was a founding member of the Memphis Blackhawks Aviation Association (1994), an organization which offers mentorship and guidance to underprivileged urban and inner-city youth in all aspects of the aviation industry. He received a National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol Diploma from the Civil Air Patrol Squadron Leadership School at Columbus Air Force Base in Ohio in 1995, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. He delighted in taking his friends and family on flying exhibitions.

On May 19, 2007, he married Epifania “Ephie” Dickey. They maintained a beautiful life and home together for 14 years.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents: Herman and Clara Dickey; a son, Kelvin Darrell Dickey; and four siblings: Mary Alice Madison, Karen Dickey, Carolyn Dickey, and John Stanley Dickey.

To cherish his legacy, he leaves his wife, Ephie Dickey; three children: Herman L. Dickey, Tonia Dickey Terrell, and Ryan Dickey; four bonus children: Rex Tolentino, Regina Tolentino, Rey Tolentino, and Raphael Tolentino; ten siblings: Verna Jean Sutton, David (Karen) Dickey, Dewayne (Nina) Dickey, Robin Dickey Wright, Mark Dickey, Harold Dickey, Judy Dickey, Adrienne Morris Dickey, Allen Dickey, and Beverly Dickey Daniels; six grandchildren, his trusted canine companion, Thor (his fourth child), and a host of other relatives, colleagues, and dear friends who will cherish his amazing legacy forever.

ORDER of T H E

Saturday, the Second day of October, Two-Thousand Twenty-One at Noon G reater O pen D oor M issionary B aptist C hurch 1537 Florida Street • Memphis, TN 38109 Pastor Rickey Bell, Officiating Procession..................................................................................................................The Family of Herman “Skip” Dickey Old & New Testament Scripture Reading...................................................... Minister Rolandaus Rodgers, Former Student Dean Hill M. B. Church Prayer .............................................................................................................................................. Pastor Devin Westbrook Redemption Church Celebration in Song ...................................................................................The Herman “Skip” Dickey Celebration Singers

REMEMBERING SKIP P A R T

O N E

Mr. Brian Smith, Memphis Blackhawks Aviation Association Ms. Teresa Johnson & Mr. Jimmy Wilkerson, Vatterott College Musical Tribute ......................................................................................................................... Dana Dickey Maclin, Niece

REMEMBERING SKIP P A R T

T W O

Mr. Bryan Nesbitt, The BarKays Mr. Courtney A. Gladney, Former HVAC Student (Vatterott College) Mr. Jerome Mackey, Former Co-Worker

SILENT READING OF THE OBITUARY

(featuring instrumental music by Maestro Keenan J. Shotwell) Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................... Mica Dickey, Niece Celebration in Song....................................................................................The Herman “Skip” Dickey Celebration Singers The Eulogy ..................................................................................................................................Pastor Rickey Bell, Cousin Pastor, Greater Open Door Missionary Baptist Church Recessional................................................................................................................The Family of Herman “Skip” Dickey

P R E C I O U S

At least once in every lifetime, a hero comes along Who fills our lives with meaning, and fills our days with song; Their presence adds meaning and value; making every journey worth the trip On this day, and forever, that’s how we’ll remember Skip!

During this time of grief, our hearts have been strengthened by the prayers, warm thoughts, and acts of kindness that have been extended to us. Special thanks to the staff of Baptist East Hospital, the Memphis Blackhawks Aviation Association, and everyone who participated in his care. We are encouraged to know that he touched so many people during his lifetime, and we pray that your kindness will be returned to you in abundance. May God bless you!

THE

FA M I LY

OF

HERMAN

“SKIP”

DICKEY

Mr. Ullah Bell

Mr. Christopher Dickey

Mr. Brian Smith

Mr. Raphael Tolentino

Mr. Rey Tolentino

Mr. Brian Wilbourn

David Dickey, Harold Dickey, Mark Dickey, Dewayne Dickey & Allen Dickey (brothers) Members of the Memphis Blackhawks Aviation Association Colleagues from Vatterott Career College Former Southside High School Alumni

Memorial Park – South Woods Cemetery

5485 Hacks Cross Road • Memphis, Tennessee 38125

E. H. Ford Mortuary Services

3390 Elvis Presley Boulevard • Memphis, Tennessee 38116 • (901) 345-9558

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