George Alexander Dickey Jr.
George Alexander Dickey Jr., 94, died Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, at Baptist Memorial Hospital North MS in Oxford. A graveside service was held on Monday, November 25, 2019, at 1:15 p.m. at Oxford Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Fletcher Moorman officiating. Waller Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Dickey was born on May 3, 1925, at 898 Rayner St. in Memphis, Tenn., to George Alexander Sr. and Nina Bell Dickey. He was a star athlete in his early days at Tech High School, lettering in four sports and excelling at baseball. In WWII he answered his nation's call and fought as an Infantryman in the 6th Infantry Division in New Guinea and Luzon. He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, three Purple Hearts and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
On return from the war and discharge from the Army, he met and married Dorothy Smith. They were married for over 70 years until her passing in 2016. Together they raised four children.
He worked for 20 years for the Missouri-Pacific Railroad before retiring and driving a truck for Campbell 66 Express. In his younger years he enjoyed riding and racing motorcycles and stock cars and was a fixture at Riverside Speedway. He had a passion for hunting deer and turkeys and was the MidSouth turkey calling champion several years in a row. His love for the outdoors led him to buy and retire to his farm in Potts Camp, MS. There he spent over 25 years raising cows and doing what he enjoyed most.
He spent the last five years of his life at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford, MS. While there he enjoyed coffee, cookies and joking with everyone he saw. He kept the place lively and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Volunteers for Veterans - Oxford. This may be done through PayPal to veterans38655@gmail.com, by check to Volunteer for Veterans, 642 N. 14th St., Unit 8, Oxford, MS 38655, or through their website at www.veterans38655.org. All contributions will benefit veterans at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford.
For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please call 662.234.7971 or visit www.wallerfuneralhome.com.
paid obituary