Marion E Dickey

DICKEY, MARION EDGAR – age 95, died November 10, 1925, from congestive heart failure. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina on May 5, 1920. Even though he completed high school, his senior class did not have a formal graduation ceremony because of the polio scare. Marion served during WWII in the army as a tech-sergeant. He was stationed at Alamagordo, NM. Health concerns prevented him from becoming a pilot, but he loved working in the control tower, even taking other men’s shifts in order to be near the action. He witnessed as one of the first atomic bombs was detonated in the White Sands Dessert, and met and shook hands with Dr. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist instrumental in developing the US Manhattan Project. While serving, Marion received a Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Medal, and a WWII Victory Medal. After the war Marion found his niche in sales, becoming a top salesman for 35 years with United States Gypsum Co. After winning the top sales award year after year, the company finally gave him the trophy to keep, instead of giving it to the next recipient, which most likely would be him. He and his wife Christina traveled to Spain and Mexico as a result of Marion’s sales performance. He continued to count former bosses and colleagues as friends. Marion’s early interest in building crystal radios led him to become a ham radio operator, W40XD, building most of his equipment himself. He assisted in disasters whenever called upon, using his ham radio to notify families and authorities, relaying crucial information. Marion’s other love was flying radio controlled airplanes. His love of aviation led him to construct many beautiful airplanes. To Marion, airplanes of any size were objects of art. Marion is loved and will be dearly missed by his daughters, Mitzi Wheeler (Doug) of Vonore, TN and Marilyn Romeu of Marietta, GA. He is preceded in death by his wife, Christena N. Dickey, father, William Bloxom Dickey; his mother, Ruby Wells Dickey; and his brother William Francis Dickey. He leaves behind his sister-in-law, Doris Dickey, of Charleston, SC; sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Gary Shulder, of Pueblo, CO; and grandchildren, Michelle Taylor (Scott) of Falls Church, VA; Tyler and Kristen Romeu (Nick Suter), of Marietta, GA; and Katherine Orces (Jacques) of Coral Springs, FL. Marion had 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly. The family would like to thank Heritage Hospice of Marietta and the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their loving care. There will be a service to celebrate Marion’s life at Patterson Canton Hill Funeral Home at 1157 Old Canton Rd, Marietta on Saturday, November 14, with visitation at 1:00, funeral service at 2:00, with a reception following at Patterson’s. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the memory of Marion E. Dickey to the Salvation Army.