He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jacob Augustus and Nannie Sue Dickens, and Nimrod H. and Eloise Saunders, and a sister-in-law: Norma Dickens.

In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Laura Dickens; his daughter: Lauren Ashley Dickens; his sons: Brad Dickens and Travis Dickens and his wife, Nazarene; his sisters and brothers: Debbie and Earl Ricks, Steve and Beth Dickens, Donna and Mason Clements; his grandchildren: Tyler and Kayla; nieces and nephews: Greg, Brian, Sarah, Stephanie, Lewis, Phillip, Chelsea and Justin; and numerous other nieces and nephews and cousins and friends, and his special physician, Dr. Mario Fiorilli.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 18, 2009, at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service at 2:00 P.M. conducted by Rev. Mark Wetherington and Rev. Grady Dickens.  Burial will follow in Crestview Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, December 17, 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and other times at his home: 580 Old Emporia Road, Gaston, or the home of his parents: 1241 Old Emporia Road, Gaston.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Lauren Ashley Dickens Scholarship Fund: c/o First Citizens Bank  & Trust Company, P.O. Box 400, Roanoke Rapids, N. C. 27870.

Arrangements are under the care of Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be made  to www.hockadayfs.com.