George A Dickerson

George A. Dickerson, 70, of Coal Bluff, passed away Monday morning, Jan. 30, 2012, on his 70th birthday, at his home in Coal Bluff, after a year long battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 30, 1942, in Terre Haute, to George and Rosemary Richey Dickerson. George married his high school sweetheart, Wanda Sue Smith, on Aug. 7, 1960. They enjoyed 51 years of a full life. George retired from the Laborers Union Local 204 after 30 years.

George and his family were active in the old time hoe down square dancing community. George was an avid square dance caller, insisting on calling to live music and calling square dances in the old time ho down venue.

George and Wanda were members of the Old Time Fiddlers’ Association, where George was president for more than 20 years. He was deeply involved with volunteer work through the Area 7 Aging and Disability Agency. In 2010 he was named volunteer of the year. He worked with many local nursing homes, arranging live music and square dancing to the residents delight. In addition to his many hours of volunteer work he was deeply devoted to his wife and family.

He is survived by his parents; his wife; three children, George and wife Jamie Dickerson, Molly and husband Mike Varvel, and Mark and wife Lisa Dickerson; sister, Angel Dickerson; brother, Hubert Dickerson; six grandchildren, Matt, Bill, Moriah, Lindsey, Joe, and Emily; and five great-grandchildren. He was a great champion to his grandchildren. From being a driving force in Matt and Bill’s music careers, to Moriah and Lindsey’s softball games, and Joe and Emily’s band activities. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews,

George and Wanda enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing, crisscrossing the United States often with her sisters and their husbands, from Florida to Texas to Montana and California. He loved yard sales, flea markets and auctions. Frequently coming away with the deal of the day and all of the best free stuff around. George also enjoyed horseback riding, his dogs, riding his scooter, playing cards, drinking coffee and eating sweets, grilling outside in any weather, watching western movies and the Sci-Fi channel and Storage Wars. There was never a dull moment with George.

Services will be 8 p.m. Friday at Mattox-Wood Funeral Home and Crematory, 4660 Lafayette Ave., in Terre Haute, with the Rev Bill Herb officiating. Visitation will be 4 p.m. until service time Friday.