MURFREESBORO, NC – Joseph Quinton Dickerson, age 96, passed away on July 29, 2019 at his home with his wife and granddaughter by his side.
Mr. Dickerson was born in Northampton County, NC, on April 29, 1923, a son of the late George and Fannie Jenkins Dickerson. Joe was a successful businessman, having owned and operated the Western Auto in Murfreesboro for over 40 years. He was active in his community and was a community leader, serving on town council, was a founding member of the Murfreesboro Rescue Squad, was instrumental in building the town swimming pool, and was the organizer for getting the Veterans Memorial in Murfreesboro. Joe was a longtime Mason and Shriner, having just received his seventy-year pin from the American George Masonic Lodge #17, AF&AM. Mr. Dickerson was very proud of his service to his country in the US Army. He was a TSGT with the 29th Infantry Division, Company E, being among the first wave invasion at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. During his time in the Army, he earned four Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, one Silver Star, and the French Medal of Honor.
Besides his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his first wife, Eyssel Dickerson, and his daughter, Debbie Dickerson Bird.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Rebecca, his granddaughter, Elizabeth Bird Ross and husband, Adam of Myrtle Beach, SC; his grandson, Joey Bird of IN; three great grandsons, Connor Ross, Cooper Ross, and Carson Ross; and a great granddaughter, Caitlyn Ross, all of Myrtle Beach, SC; his son-in-law, Tommy Bird of IN; and two step sons, Gary Pearce and wife, Gwyn of Raleigh, NC, and Fred Pearce and wife, Sandi of Key West, FL.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 1, 2019, from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC, and other times at the home.
A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019, at 1:00 pm at the Murfreesboro Baptist Church, Murfreesboro, NC, with Rev. Lane Bass, officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made directly to the Murfreesboro Baptist Church, 200 W. Main Street, Murfreesboro, NC 27855 or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search then type Joseph Dickerson.
Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Dickerson family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
I met Mr. Dickerson when I first came to Murfreesboro to attend Chowan College. He helped me get my first record player. I later became a police officer in Murfreesboro and worked closely with Mr. Dickerson. He was a great man; honest, caring and always offered a helping hand to anyone in need. I just learned of his passing and it saddens me greatly. May God bless and watch over his family.
Mike Bradshaw
King William County, VA
Mr Joe, my hero. Thank you for your service. God bless Mrs Elizabeth and family Johnnie Ray and Paula Farmer
Mr Joe, your community presence will be great missed. You are my hero. Thank you for your service. God bless your family
i will forever remember how good a man he was and how he treated aunt becky like a queen,a true gentleman indeed ,he never let her get in or out of a car without first opening the door for her. he will truely be missed.
Mr Joe was a true American, A soldier to his death, his spirit will be with all those who knew him ans his passion to honor our veterans will live on in our surrounding communities and with every one he visited and with everyone that listened to his life stories. I know I will never forget him, he has been in my life since childhood and I can see that smile on his face every time I was in his presence.
WITH GREAT RESPECT!!!!
Joe’s fantastic life of service to his community and our nation are a perfect example of how to live. He will be missed greatly by all.
1958shelby@gmail.com
Sorry to hear about Mr. Joe, he was my buddy and no matter where I saw him he would speak and call me by name. (Red) He would also ask about my mom Erdie Boone. He was our friend. He looked out for us when he owned Western Auto. I will never forget him. He was an amazing human being.
Elizabeth, Adam, and the kids , I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
Pa Joe, as I was introduced to him, was a wonderful and kind individual. Always quick with a story and a laugh. I will miss him.