The first son, Harry was followed two years later by a sister and his young brother Gary Dickinson, thirteen years later.
Before brother Gary was born, the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida to be out of the cold and snow.
Harry was enrolled in public school in Jacksonville, but the school system held him back a year thinking the Duval County Schools were more progressive.
Harry advanced to Terry Parker High School where he excelled in Football and Track.
Harry started working at Winn Dixie in Town and Country Shopping Center in High School. Later at Texaco Gas Station “Full Service” on Atlantic Boulevard. One day a parakeet appeared in the service bay and ended up at the Dickinson Family home. The parakeet was named Pete Dee. This was the first of many pets that Harry would have over the years.
Harry’s pets over the years would include German Shepherds, Mutts and Cats. Harry loved his furry animal friends.
Harry went to work for several companies starting with Humphreys Gold Mine, Gibbs Shipyards and Duval Ford.
In the late 1950’s Harry married Jane Kohler and they had a son Harry Oliver Dickinson III or Hank as friends and family called him. During this time Harry enjoyed along with his family, boating and water-skiing on the Arlington River. He made numerous trips to Exchange Club Island. Unfortunately, the marriage to Jane ended in divorce.
Harry moved to Tennessee and later Daytona Beach where he met Marie. Harry and Marie married and moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Marie was an airline stewardess in the 50’s and 60’s. Harry worked for Duval Ford and Bug Out Services. Unfortunately, the marriage to Marie ended in divorce.
Harry moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania and met Ginny. Harry and Ginny married. Ginny had a son from previous marriage John Boden. Harry started working at Circle F Industries. Ginny worked in the manufacturing of light bulbs.
Harry was soon elected to be the Union Steward and then elected for many years as President of Local 398, District 1 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Harry was very involved with AFL-CIO Trade Union but never forget his conservative roots.
Each Summer Harry and Ginny would vacation for two weeks at the famous Seahorse Hotel on Neptune Beach, Florida. A straight drive from New Jersey stopping only for fuel. Harry and Ginny would enjoy sunning on the Florida beach and swimming in the pool. True to Harry’s nature he would soon get bored and found projects to help the hotel owner. One year this included clearing a large billboard covered in vines at Atlantic Boulevard and Mayport Road. Most interesting was that the hotel owner did not know about the billboard advertising the ocean front hotel.
Beside cooking out at the hotel, a must was two of Harry’s favorite restaurants for dinner. First was Mrs. Beasley’s “Rite Spot Seafood Restaurant” the other was “Beach Road Chicken Dinner” of course not on the same night.
In the Pennsylvania, New Jersey area Harry enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. Harry also trained for his Private Pilot License and completed all training and many solo hours. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association. Unfortunately, the marriage to Ginny ended in divorce.
After retiring, Harry moved back to Jacksonville, Florida and married Gladys. Harry went back to work as a supervisor with the State of Florida Vehicle Inspection Station. Harry was injured on the job and left on disability. Sadly, Gladys was diagnosed with cancer and passed away.
Harry then met Barbara Mercer. Harry and Barbara have been together for over nineteen years. Harry fought cancer twice and his heart condition with Barbara at his side. Barbara has tirelessly helped Harry over the years with his medical needs, doctor appointments and more. She has been a true warrior of support for Harry.
Harry was a loyal member of the Jacksonville Lodge 221 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Also, long time member of the Florida Sheriff’s Association.
Harry was always ready to help in friend or stranger in need. Harry always enjoyed a good laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Harry passed away peacefully with Barbara and his brother Gary by his side on September 28, 2020.
The family thanks Memorial Hospital Emergency Room personnel and Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department for all their efforts.
Harry is survived by Barbara Mercer, Son Hank Kohler and Stepson John Boden.
Brother Gary R. Dickinson and Gary’s wife Leann. Nephews Blake Robert Dickinson and Miller Jordan Dickinson.
Also, a Sister and two Nieces and many Cousins.
Harry believed in God and was baptized in the Baptist Church as a youth. In April of 2019, Harry confirmed his acceptance of Jesus as his personal Savior praying with Deacon Joey Vaughn. Harry prayed just days before his death for forgiveness to a loving God.
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