James D. Dickens

He was a native of Oakdale and had been a resident of Vinton since 1970. David served in the National Guard and worked for PPG Industries before going into business for himself. He worked in the timber industry having his own sawmill and logging company. He also owned a small trucking company and then turned to the real estate business, owning several rental properties. He loved working for himself and could fix most anything.

His interests included raising earthworms and raising rabbits. David loved to garden and fish with his son and granddaughter. His son-in-law and daughter-in-law were special friends. He truly loved his family.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Barbara Dickens of Vinton; his mother, Lucy Dickens of Oakdale; son, Darren Duane Dickens and wife, Penny of Santa Fe, Texas; daughter, Dabrina Alayne Ramirez and husband, Robert of Vinton; brothers, Gerald Dickens of Karnes City, Texas and Robert Jay Dickens of Carlyss; sisters, Louise Gorum of Lake Charles, Lynn Dickens of Hammond, and Lisa Chauvin of Baton Rouge; and his granddaughter, Victoria Alayne "Torie" Cole. He is preceded in death by his father, J.C. Dickens.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. The Revs. Susil Fernando and Russell Beard will officiate. Burial will be in Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly. Visitation is from noon to 9 p.m. Monday with a rosary service at 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday in the funeral home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.