DEXTER and CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Ronald H. Dickinson, 66, departed this life Feb. 1, 2009, in Charlottesville, Va., and is now in the presence of Jesus, rejoicing in his salvation. Ron was born May 6, 1942, in Brewer, to Harry and Marjorie (Fessenden) Dickinson. Ron served in the Navy aboard the USS Hermitage for four years. He then lived in Dexter and worked at Dexter Shoe Co. for more than 20 years. He was recently employed as a sergeant for the University of Virginia Hospital security until he became disabled because of gastric cancer. Ron accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior when he was 27 years old. In 1993, he graduated from Faith School of Theology, and he and his wife co-pastored The Gospel Lighthouse Church, Milo. Since moving to Charlottesville, Va., Ron and his family attended Covenant Church and Ron went on missionary trips to Haiti and South America. He is survived by his wife, Patsy (McKenney) Dickinson of Charlottesville, Va.; two daughters, Scarlette Valentine of Charlottesville, Va., and Jessica Kittridge and husband, Paul, of Florida; two sons, Rick McKenney of Carrabassatt Valley and Fritz Dickinson of Charlottesville, Va.; and beloved grandchildren, Justin and Joshua Parsons, Joel and Brandon Kittridge, Madison McKenney and Malaysia Olivia. He was also Dad to Nate Mickens, Khiry Washington and Tristan Thomas, all of Charlottesville, Va. Ron is also survived by one sister, Arlene Burton of Manchester, N.H.; and special cousins, John and Helen Libby of Corinna. In addition, Ron adopted his wife’s family as his own, Evelyn and George White, Marcia and Lynn Herrick, Perry and Barbara McKenney, Nellie and Joe Kennedy, Nancy and Joe Pichette, and Darlene and Robbie Stewart. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main St., Dexter. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Dexter First Baptist Church. Spring burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Dexter. Those who wish may sign an online guest register and leave written tributes at www.CrosbyNeal.com.
RONALD H. DICKINSON
