Erick W. Dickens Jr.

On the morning of Jan. 11, 2016, Erick “Rick” W. Dickens Jr. passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones. After receiving an unexpected diagnosis in the summer of 2014, Erick fought tirelessly and honorably against Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease. Born in The Bronx, NY on March 23, 1946, to Erick and Arline Dickens, Erick went on to live life to the fullest. He had a gift to cultivate deep and meaningful relationships, and he rarely met a stranger. Erick found immeasurable joy in his family. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jane, and their five children; daughters Jennifer Wright (Chris), Eileen Bucklen (Jay), JoAnn Hodges (Jonathan); sons Erick (Jennifer) and Brian. And for those who knew him well, it is no surprise that his greatest pleasure came from his eight grandchildren; granddaughters Claire, Samantha and Ally; and grandsons Jacob, Lanning, Tommy, Grant and Lucas. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin (Marie), his lifelong friend George Kozak (Carol), and his beloved “Just Us” gang. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1964 and was drafted into the US Army shortly after. He served his country with honor, pride and valor in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star before returning home. Erick followed military service with civil service as a New York City firefighter. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge, after moving his family in 1976, when he transferred to LAX with American Airlines. In 22 years with American, he climbed his way to success from fueling airplanes at LaGuardia to managing the hub in Raleigh, where he moved his family in 1987. Subsequent employment opportunities with AGI and Parsons took him to Atlanta, Abu Dhabi and Miami, then finally back to Raleigh, where he retired for good — only to then pursue his Master’s degree from Liberty University. He loved history, music, cars, baseball and golf. In 1992 he aced the third hole at Wake Forest Links, his home course. He spent the next 20 years giving back to the golfing community, depositing golf balls in ponds throughout the Southeast, from Raleigh to Myrtle Beach to Miami. We joke because nobody had more fun on the golf course. He could tell you where he was, the day of the week, and what song was playing on the radio at the start of every memory. He had an infectious smile and a laugh that shook the rafters. He loved the heat and welcoming family and friends into his warm home. But most important, he loved his people. Whether he was your boss, father, brother, family, neighbor, or acquaintance, at the end of the day, he was your friend. On Tuesday, January 12th from 6-8, please come to Renaissance Funeral Home on Six Forks Road for a visitation with family and friends. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke’s Evangelist Catholic Church 12333 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, NC at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016. Graveside service with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery in Spring Lake, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the UFA Thomas Elsasser Fund. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Erick Dickens, a retired New York City firefighter to: http://www.ufanyc.org/funds/elsasser.php

Erick W. Dickens Jr.

March 23, 1946 - January 11, 2016