Arthur "Buddy" Raymond Dickson

Arthur Raymond Dickson was born on January 10, 1943 in Saint Louis, Missouri to the late Joseph Raymond Dickson and the late Earline Bates. He was the third oldest of four children from this union, Josie Stephany (preceded in death), Dorothy Alexander, and Marshall Dickson Sr. Buddy, as his family called him, loved to go fishing, bike riding, and to the local corner store to buy candy as a child growing up in Frontenac, Missouri. Saturday nights he enjoyed going to the firehouse dances with his baby brother Marshall. He was raised as a true Baptist in a church his grandfather, Banjo Dickson, built in Saint Louis, Missouri.

At Ladue Horton Watkins High School, he was the state wrestling champion three consecutive years, ran cross country, played the tuba in the school band, and was on the junior varsity football team. Raymond also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and his red buggy, dragging his baby sisters Gladys and Margo along for a ride.

He attended Los Angeles City College on a wrestling scholarship and completed his studies as an electrician. Raymond was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years. He was very proud of his work, ending his career distinguished with several awards on the USS Constellation VS-64 as Master Chief. He was known for his courage, commitment, and bright sense of humor having had the privilege to travel all over the world.

Throughout the years, Raymond made it a priority to spend time with his family and friends no matter the distance. After the death of his father, he made it a point to step in as the head of the family and care for his bonus-mother, Corrine Dickson, who he affectionately called “Mom” as well as his younger sisters Paulette, Gladys and Margo. He always attended and never missed holidays, graduations, weddings, birthdays and family reunions. Raymond had one son with Patricia Williams (preceded in death), Anthony Raymond Dickson whom he loved dearly as well as his two grandchildren Anthony Dominique Dickson and Paris Nicole Dickson. He never missed a moment with them nor his great grandchildren nieces and nephews all of whom he took the time to sow words of wisdom, kindness, and love.

San Diego was known to be his sanctuary and home. Raymond lived a peaceful and quiet life, taking in the beautiful scenic views and sunsets while spending time at La Jolla Cove. Raymond made friends everywhere he went. He was the life of the party, smooth with the ladies, and truly a great friend. His laugh was contagious, and his smile was warm. You could always count on him to have your back. He will forever live on as our Buddy, Red, Reno, Ray, Raymond, Granddad, son, uncle, brother and friend. Whatever you affectionately called him;however you knew him, whatever amount of time you spent with him, let it all be peace in your soul that we will meet again someday.

Our dearest Buddy, rest well.