Obituary of Billy Jack Dickerson, Sr.

Billy Jack “Bill” Dickerson, Sr. 85, of Davin, West Virginia, passed away at his home on Friday, February 9, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Braeholm, West Virginia to the late Charley Ersel Dickerson and Geneva Lee (Milligan) Dickerson on September 4, 1938. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Lee Adkins Dickerson; siblings, Charles Dickerson, Ersel Dickerson, and James Dickerson. Bill was a 1956 graduate of Man High School. Three days after high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and received training as a jet engine mechanic. During his time in the Navy, he served 18 months at the Naval Air Station in Port Lyautey, Morocco, North Africa. After being honorably discharged from the US Navy, Bill worked various jobs before beginning his mining career with Amherst Coal Company. He worked for Amherst for 21 years, and was a member of UMWA Local 1302. Bill continued his mining career as both a mechanic and heavy equipment operator until his retirement. During his younger years, Bill was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. After retirement, he found that he had great interest and immense talent in woodworking and knife-making. Bill was a faithful member of Claypool United Methodist Church where he served as the President of the United Methodist Men. He was also a choir member and loved attending regular church services while he was able. The family would like for Bill to be remembered as the loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend that he was. He instilled family values as a provider and protector with integrity and ethics that were unmatched. His compassion and love for his family and friends was a blessing, and made a lasting impact on all who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory are his three sons, Billy Jack, Jr. (Angie) Dickerson of Davin, West Virginia, Darren Lee (Teresa) Dickerson of Yulee, Florida, and Jacky Lee and companion Aime Lanehart of Davin, West Virginia; four siblings, Mary Blevins of Loveland, Ohio, Tom (Sheila) Dickerson of Lundale, West Virginia, Sue Vance of Lundale, West Virginia, and David Dickerson of Lewisburg, West Virginia; seven grandchildren, Bryan Lawhorn of Summerville, South Carolina, Jaclyn (Weston) Harvey of Davin, West Virginia, Alicia (Cody) Waldron of Yulee, Florida, Elizabeth (Brandon) Bradford of Pineville, West Virginia, Danielle (David) Magalski of Yulee, Florida, Braden Dickerson and companion Hannah Hatfield of Spring Valley, West Virginia, and Drake Dickerson of Chapmanville, West Virginia; three great-grandchildren with a fourth on the way, Berklee Harvey, Kohen Bradford, Kinsley Waldron, and Kennedy Bradford, due in July; along with a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, at Claypool United Methodist Church, at Davin and one hour prior to funeral services at the church also. Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Claypool United Methodist Church, with Rev. Tim Shuff officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.