Perry Gene Dickey

Perry Gene Dickey, 86, passed away at his home on December 12, 2019. 
 

He was born on July 12, 1933 to the late Rufus L. Dickey, Sr and Alberta Loper Dickey also of Chatom, where he grew up and spent most of his life. He attended Auburn University and Livingston State Teachers College where he met his late wife Opal Webb. Following their marriage, he enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Jacksonville, FL. While on a world tour on the USS Midway, his daughter Debbie (Glenn) Smith was born and later his second daughter Dianne (Bobby) Montgomery. After an honorable discharge, he and his family returned to Chatom. He worked is several local industries including Brown & Root, Olin Chemical and finally retired from Ciba-Geigy. He also had his own electrical business for several years. Following the death of Opal, he was married to Pat Taylor until his death. He has two brothers, Bobby (Anne) Dickey of Midland, MI and Rufus L. (Faye) Dickey, Jr., of Wacissa, FL. He was preceded in death by his only sister, Charlotte (Merle) Williams, Magnolia Springs, AL.

Perry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was well known in his community and Washington County. He was a dedicated member of Chatom Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, taught the 4-5-year-old Sunday School Class and served as a Deacon. He freely gave his service to many organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Board member for the Educational Center for Independence, and Washington Baptist Association. He was awarded a United Way Heart of Service Volunteer Award in 2015 along with his wife Pat. As a Cancer survivor he was an avid supporter of Relay for Life and received the Nancy Chafin Spirit Award in 2014. He was also honored by the Town of Chatom with their Medal of Service. A message of condolence from the Town of Chatom started “He was always the first person we called when there was a problem. He never hesitated and never charged a dime. He was one of a kind.” That message sums up his life in such a few words. Perry continued to be active as long as his health allowed. His good deeds and kindnesses to others are too many to list. Many of his good deeds will never be known as he did nothing for recognition but only because of his strong Christian belief and love for his fellow man. His life truly exemplified the words of John Wesley “Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”

Survivors, in addition to those previously listed, include his grandchildren, Destin (Chris) Smith Jines, Navarre, FL; Harrison Colbey Smith, Mobile; Robert Zane Montgomery, Chatom; Wyatt Perry Montgomery, Birmingham; great grandchildren, Ava and Grayson Jines.

The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Steve Donald and staff, the nurses and staff at Washington County Hospital, Legacy Hospice, and Ms. Angie Goldman who cared for him during his decline.

Visitation will be Monday, December 16, 9:00 AM ~ 11:30 AM at Chatom Baptist Church.  Funeral Service will follow with Dr. Jerry Roberson and Rev. Travis Agee officiating.  Burial will be at The Chatom City Cemetery.   Arrangements by St. Stephens Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chatom Baptist Church MISION ONE, 13050 W. Central Ave, Chatom, AL 36518 or Washington County Baptist Association.

...

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Perry Gene Dickey, please visit our floral store.