Bryson Andrew Dickey

The largest of hearts in our world stopped beating unexpectedly in the early morning hours of October 8, 2016. Bryson Andrew Dickey left this earth to rest in the arms of our Creator for eternal life.

Bryson was born on July 10, 1966, to Duane and Maureen (Sloane) Dickey in Durand, MI. The family moved to Alpena, MI. in 1968, where Bryson attended the public schools, graduating from Alpena High School in 1984. Bryson continued his education at Alpena Community College and Ferris State University. He also became a Licensed Realtor and a Licensed Appraiser, having worked in that capacity for Financial Services, a subsidiary of First Federal of Northern Michigan for several years before relocating to the Lansing area. Bryson enjoyed working on automobiles and spending time with friends and family, especially his son, Jonathan.

In 2006, life changes caused him to embark on another journey. He joined Schneider National Carriers, Inc., becoming an OTR truck driver so that he could see the country, learn about life and most likely himself from a different perspective. And that he did, making numerous friends along the way. His dear friend, Doreen Cummins, said this about him yesterday, “...we often ran side by side or miles apart, sharing the sunshine and the storms of life, by phone, by message, face-to-face or just heart-to-heart. I love you, Bryson Dickey; and my world is going to be a dimmer place, without you in it.” Our days may be dim for a while, but soon we will understand that, because of his love for all who touched his life, he will forever shine down upon us. He never turned his back on anyone in life; he certainly won’t in death.

Bryson is survived by his son, Jonathan Parrish, of Bath Twp., MI; his father, Duane (Marty) Dickey of Haslett, MI; three brothers, Shaun (LeeAnn) Dickey of Williamston, MI, Brett Dickey of Bath Twp, MI, Eric (Angela) Dickey of Rochester Hills, MI; three sisters, Montiel (Kurt) Klemens of Grand Ledge, MI, Erin (Dr. James) Vedder of Alpena, MI, Stacey (Joe) Parent of Traverse City, MI. He will be sorely missed by his nieces and nephews who loved his ability to always make them feel good about themselves in addition to his humor and ability to lessen their fears, hurt, or misunderstandings: Amy (Steve) Nartker; Lisa (Mike) Armstrong; Michele and Dylan Klemens; Ashley and Haley Daoust; Kaitlyn, Garrett, Jason, Andrea, and Alex Dickey; Ava and Zeb Parent; great nephew, Landen. Our mother, Maureen (Sloane) Dickey, was waiting for him with open arms as he entered through Heaven's Gate. . .at the same time, having sadness in her heart knowing the grief it would bestow upon those he leaves behind.

Funeral services will be Thursday October 13, 10am at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing, 1730 E. Grand River Ave. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8pm at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Lovejoy Cemetery, Durand, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 1433 Franklin St, Haslett, MI 48840 or Sparrow Foundation Children's Center 1322 E. Michigan Avenue, Suite 204 Lansing, MI 48909, Lansing, MI.

Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”