Charles Chuck J. Dickey

Mr. Dickey was employed by the Boeing Company for 44 years and four months. One of his proudest achievements was hiring people so that they would have the opportunity to improve their lives and to raise their families comfortably. He was a dedicated supervisor who empowered his employees to grow and to reach new heights. He fervently believed in doing the job right the first time and he always rewarded his team for a job well done.

He was a forward thinker and never accepted “no” for an answer. These personal attributes of Mr. Dickey’s were well known throughout the Boeing Company. During his career he was firm but fair to his employees and helped to advance the careers of many. He was one of the early pioneers who were an advocate for diversity in the workplace and his belief was often times frowned upon.

Chuck started his career at Boeing as a painter which led to a career in management for 33 years. During his employment, he was the first African American to be elected as a Union Official. He was also the first African American Supervisor in Facilities. He was instrumental in changing the starting pay scale for painters.

He was born to Frank and Rosa Lee Dickey on April 12, 1924 in Louisiana and he was the youngest of eight siblings. He came to the Tri-cities in 1942 and later moved to Seattle where he met and married his first wife, Ruth Y. Beauregard, the mother of his three children Charlene, Michael, and Byron. Chuck believed Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior. He was a member of Saint Madeline Sophie for over 50 years and went to Mass regularly until his health began to wane.

Chuck was also a member of the Museum of Flight, Washington Athletic Club, and the Newport Yacht Club. He loved fishing, boating, going to baseball games, camping, and playing friendly poker with his family. He also enjoyed going on cruises, and driving across the United States. While he was at the Boeing Company, he organized a softball league and in 1961 he won the “Slow Pitch” Champs award.

He was a preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sisters, wife Gloria, and his beloved son, Byron. Chuck was a great man and by his own words, he lived a wonderful life. He never met a person that he didn’t like; however, he met many whom he would not associate. He was a devoted, loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife Angela of 10 years, one daughter, Charlene and husband Sam Amira of Renton; one son, Michael of Bellevue; ex-wives Ruth and Connie; seven grandchildren, Laureen of Renton, Rachelle, Nicole and Alicia of Kirkland, Danielle, Julian and Crystal of Ovilla, Texas; four great-grandchildren; and seven step-children. He also leaves to cherish his memory nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.