Christopher Michael Dickerson

Christopher Michael Dickerson of Greenville TX, born Dec. 13, 1973 in Bastrop, LA, passed away on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2015 in Dallas, TX at the age of 41. He is survived by parents Steve and Mary Ann Dickerson, one sister, Julia Phelps and four nieces Anastasia, Trinity, Shekinah and Eliana; the love of his life, Jenny Larkin and her daughter Lilly; his beloved dog Dixie; and, a vast array of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who loved him dearly. Those who went before and welcome him into Heaven include his ‘Papaw Bob’ James Robert Dickerson, ‘Mamaw Lois’ Dickerson Farmer and ‘Pappy Harold’ Farmer, ‘Papaw Bill’ Willam Harnell Degges and Marlene Sharbono Degges, Maude Andrews Degges and childhood friend, Todd Courtney who was like a brother to him.

Chris was a 1992 graduate of Greenland AR High School, which he attended since 1984 when his family moved to Arkansas from Saudi Arabia. As a little boy, he loved helicopters and called them bop-bops, so it was only fitting that immediately after high school, he enlisted in the army to work on Apache helicopters with the 1st Calvary. He also served in the Air National Guard with the 188th Fighter Wing, where he worked in ammo. He retired in April 2015 after almost 22 years of honorable military service.

His service included a tour on border patrol in Arizona, three tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, two for which he volunteered and was set to deploy a fourth time; and, was incredibly upset when he injured his knee and could not join his brothers and sisters in deployment. He held A&P certification and was employed as an airplane mechanic at L3 in Greenville, TX since 2003.

Living honorably but humbly, Chris had a dynamic impact on all those who were blessed enough to cross his path. A deep thinker, straight shooter, staunch conservative, he lived for intelligent debate and if he didn’t agree with you, he’d let you know it politely but firmly. As an avid gamer, he was well respected and admired by so many in his on-line communities.

He lived his life to protect and serve others. His military service was a prime example that he would have gladly laid his life down to protect others. A “large and growly bear” with the heart of a teddy bear, he had an authoritative voice and an intimidating presence that commanded respect, which led to his brothers from the 188th to jokingly call him Smiley at his retirement ceremony. At the same time, he was one of the most caring and gentle people ever, which led to his nieces renaming him “Uncle Smiley”.

As a little boy, he was always rescuing stray animals that were dropped off. His first rescued dog was a flop-eared dog he called “Bi-Angle” and his last was his cherished fur baby Dixie. He always stood up for what was right and even as a young boy fearlessly stood against the crowd to rescue others from bullying.

Chris’ style was to act behind the scenes; but, he was always giving to others. For example, he went to buy a large used swing set priced at $500 for his nieces from a family moving out of state, because the dad was entering the ministry. He didn’t buy it, because he found the set rickety and unsafe; but, Chris was seen handing the family that $500 just to help out. He also stepped in when his nieces needed him most when everything was lost in a fire and they were virtually homeless. He tirelessly worked overtime in order to make a large donation to help them. During that time, he juggled an exhaustive work schedule and falling deeply and madly in love with his girlfriend Jenny and learning how to be a father figure to her daughter, his sweet Lilly.

In the midst of all that he never missed a nightly phone call to his 8 year old niece Eliana, so she could read to him. During his hospitalization, Eliana brought her book and sat by his bedside and read nine chapters, determined to finish their book before her Uncle Smiley went to Heaven. The bond he built with her is so strong, that it has bridged heaven and earth. After he passed, she said she knew he could still hear her and would get a new book, so she could continue to read to him every night in heaven.

His golden heart has stopped beating and his hardworking hands are now at rest. His loved ones draw comfort in the fact that this deeply spiritual man is with his Savior and his loved ones in Heaven. Rest well our beloved Warrior; the Army of Heaven just got a little bit tougher with your enlistment.

Chris’s visitation will be held from 6-8pm Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Sparkman/Hillcrest, Dallas TX. The funeral service will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest at 10:00am Thursday, and the burial will be at 1:30pm at DFW National Cemetery on Thursday. In lieu of flower, please consider donations to the Wounded Warrior Fund in Chris’ honor.