Dickson "Dick" Ross Liddell

Dickson Ross Liddell died peacefully in hospice care on April 4, 2014 after an extended illness. The funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson on Monday, April 7, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will precede the service from 9:00-11:00 AM. Burial will take place following the service at Lebanon Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Learned, Mississippi.

Dick was born on September 3, 1931 at Adams Station, Mississippi to Arthur Thompson and Annie Vernon Liddell. He graduated from Raymond High School and attended Hinds Junior College until he was called to service during the Korean War. Afterward, he enrolled at Mississippi College and earned a bachelors degree in business administration.

While in college, Dick met and fell in love with Marlene Love of Slate Springs. They married on December 19, 1953 and lived on the family place at Adams Station, where Dick raised cattle and cotton and loved hunting quail. At his mother’s urging, Dick left the farm to pursue a career in the commercial insurance business in Jackson with Fox-Everett, Inc. Dick spent the better part of his career at Fox-Everett, ultimately holding the office of president for many years.

Dick was dedicated to his church and active in the Jackson community. He attended First Presbyterian Church, where he served as deacon and elder, and provided his family an authentic example of faithfulness to the gospel of Christ, something he took seriously. He was a board member and president of Jackson Preparatory School, and served in numerous other civic organizations. He also remained involved in his favorite pastime of raising cattle on the family place, with the help of the late Percy McGowan and his son, Robert, who was a constant companion of Dick in his later years. The family thanks Robert and Percy for their true friendship and help.

Dick was blessed to have had close friends who demonstrated genuine brotherly love to him as his health declined. These include Dr. Billy Cook, Dr. Bill Long, Joel Varner, Tom Bowen, Dr. Noel Toler, Billy Greenlee and others with whom Dick regularly gathered for lunch on Saturdays for many years at Dr. Cook’s farm. The family expresses deep gratitude to these friends whom Dick loved and enjoyed. The family also expresses heartfelt appreciation to Lesley Pinter, Dick’s trusted friend and longtime secretary, who helped him for many years, both during and after his active work life, and through thick and thin.

Dick is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Thompson Liddell and Annie Vernon Austin Liddell. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Marlene Love Liddell, and their children Dr. Hal Thompson Liddell and his wife, Carolyn; Lisa Liddell Morrison; and Roy Hamilton Liddell and his wife, Anna; and grandchildren Laura Liddell Nolen and her husband, Will; Morris Dickson Liddell; Thompson Liddell and his wife, Lauren; Alex Ross Morrison; Austin Morrison; Lucette Teel Liddell; Peter Hamilton Liddell and Emma Freeman Liddell; and great grandchildren, Ava Nolen; Liam Nolen; Hinton Liddell and Leighton Liddell. He is also survived by his sister, Ava Powell, of Dallas, Texas.

Memorials may be made to Reformed Theological Seminary, 5422 Clinton Blvd., Jackson, MS 39209.