William "Bill" Henry Dickson Jr.

William Henry (Bill) Dickson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on October 8, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in New Haven, CT on March 28, 1931, to William and Emily Dickson, Bill grew up in Rhode Island and Connecticut, graduating from West Haven High School in 1948.

True to the meaning of his name—“Resolute Protector”—he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where his dedication and sharp mind earned him distinction as the second person to pass the qualifying exam for his position. He spent four years designing parachutes in Alamogordo exhibiting his attention to detail. His service was richly rewarded when he met the love of his life, Shirley Armstrong, on a USO square dance blind date; they married just months later and built a life together filled with love, faith, and adventure. Together, they raised four children and pursued a life of learning and excellence, with Bill earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Operations Research. His 35-year career at Lockheed brought both accomplishments and memorable experiences, rising to be a Director of the Aircraft Division and later a Vice President of the Electronics Division, meeting astronauts, and representing his company overseas.

Even after retirement in 1990, Bill’s heart for family and community never slowed. He was an elder in his church, a dedicated member and treasurer of the Lakeway Civic Corporation building committee, and helped organize the annual Fourth of July Parade, serving as Parade Grand Marshal one year. A man of God, Bill brought warmth, laughter, and joy wherever he went, cherishing his wife of 73 years, his four children, five grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He valued education, creativity, and physical activity, enjoying sailing, swimming, golfing, camping, ballroom dancing, square dancing, fly-fishing, and singing in the church choir. Bill leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication, remembered fondly by all who knew him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Shirley Dickson; the families of four children and spouses, Linda and Steve Toll, Shirley and Glenn Cox, Bill and Sylvia Dickson and Rich and Lisa Dickson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM, at the Lakeway Church with a reception to follow.

Family requests that in-lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lakeway Church Scholarship Fund.