Charles Lester Dickinson

Our community lost a beloved mentor, father, and friend when Charles L. Dickinson, known affectionately as "Coach Yo" or "Grandy," passed away peacefully on Monday evening, January 27, 2025. He was 92 years young and lived a life that touched countless others.

Charlie's journey began in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was a natural athlete at Phillips High School, excelling in not just one but four sports - baseball, football, track, and wrestling. But it was his service to others that would define his path. As a U.S. Navy medic during the Korean War, he learned the value of caring for others, a lesson he'd carry throughout his life.

Baseball wasn't just a sport for Charlie - it was his ticket to higher education at Mississippi State University, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees. Little did he know then that this would lead to his true calling: a remarkable 60-year career dedicated to teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people across Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

Perhaps his greatest joy came from the 30-plus years he spent volunteer coaching at Vestavia Hills High School, working alongside his best friend and head coach, Sammy Dunn. The countless lives he shaped during these years led to his recognition with the Vestavia Hills Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Citizens Award in 2012 - though anyone who knew him would say his real reward was in seeing his students succeed.

Charlie joins his parents, George and Flora Smith; his sisters, Smythene Caldwell and Evelyn McClure Maske; and his brothers, George, Ronald, and Donald in Heaven. His legacy lives on through his loving family: His daughters, Janet and Tracy (Johnny); sons, Randy (Dorie) and Chris (Tionna); seven grandchildren who adored their Grandy, Lori Weber (Melanie Goss), Patrick Weber (Cayla), Tucker Reimel, Mike (Sarah), Brad (Abbey), Cade, and Grant; and 11 great-grandchildren who brought light to his later years, Haley Trotter, George Trotter, Katie Goss, Sadie Weber, Colton Weber, Natalie, Lexi, Julie, Ryan, Oliver, and Noah.

For those wishing to celebrate Coach Yo's life, the family will welcome visitors on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 5-7 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. A funeral service officiated by Cas McWaters will be the following day, Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Ridout's Southern Heritage, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, AL 35124.

In true Coach fashion, his family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the V.H.H.S. baseball fund - continuing his legacy of supporting the sport and the students he loved so dearly. Please give online at www.myschoolshares.com/schools/vestavia-hills-athletics-vestavia-al/store/school_fundraiser/1243