Clarence Albert Dickey

Born in 1924 in Spearfish, SD, Clarence (Bob) Dickey passed away Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 in Peachtree City, GA. Bob Dickey was a graduate of the South Dakota School of Mines (ChemE44) before serving in the Navy during WWII. After the war Bob attended the University of Michigan where he earned Masters Degrees in Chemical Engineering & Business Administration. During his long career Bob worked in chemical engineering in Houston, TX and Atlanta, GA. He was recruited by Shell Oil in Houston, where he worked in the technical department. After three years he went out on his own to start Index Chemicals to develop a process for producing synthetic mercaptan (additive for natural gas to create its smell). Index was later purchased by Pennwalt Corp. He also helped start up Southwest Chemical Services.

Bob earned his pilot’s license while in Houston before moving to Atlanta, GA. He spent several years associated with Hill Aircraft at what is now Fulton County Airport. In 1961 he started Porex Materials Corp., a company specializing in porous plastics, including the tips for Sharpie markers. The company was later acquired by Glassrock Products where he served as President. After leaving Glassrock, he pursued various ventures including mining, mineral exploration and mineral recycling. Bob received patents in many of the fields in which he worked including chemical syntheses, writing instruments, plastic structures and packaging and high-temperature refractories. Many of his inventions are still in use today.

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is preceded in death by his first wife June R. Dickey, his parents Walter & Margaret Dickey of Spearfish, SD and his sisters A. June Dickey, El’Louise Eaton & Marjorie Johnson. Bob is survived by his spouse, Carolyn Niehouse, and four children; Barbara Leonard & (h) Jack of Senoia, GA; Elizabeth Smith & (h) Steven of Fernandina Beach, FL; Gerald Dickey & (w) Terri of Houston, TX and Susan Morris & (h) Robert I. Jr of Sharpsburg, GA as well as 11 grandchildren; Erin Dickey, Candice Dickey, Elizabeth Carver, Carri Carver & (p) Nancy Frey, Brian Smith and (w) Vanessa, Stephanie Smith, Robert I Morris III & (w) Jenny, Jason Morris & (w) Leanna, Heather Moss & (h) Andrew, Jacilyn Bennett & (h) Matthew, Pamela Adams and 13 great grandchildren.

He was a member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Fayetteville, GA. No service is planned at the present time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Chemical Engineering Department, 501 East Saint Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD 57701.

Arrangements under the direction of Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home, Peachtree City, GA.