Arvis "Dick" Dickerson

Arvis “Dick” Dickerson, MSGT Retired USMC, a man of profound faith, dedication, and gentle strength, peacefully departed this world on August 19, 2026, at his home in Mechanicsville, VA. Born on May 27, 1945, in Wellsville, NY, Dick lived an extraordinary life filled with adventure, deep connections, and a lifelong commitment to service. He was the cherished son of Arvis C. Dickerson and Hope Joan Williams, and was predeceased by his brother, Rodger Dickerson, and his daughter-in-law, Susan Dickerson. A STORYBOOK ROMANCE & FAMILY Dick’s life changed forever during a hot summer fling that blossomed into a legendary romance. On May 3, 1970, he married his beloved Margaret Viola Wamsley at Brooklyn's Blessed Sacrament Church. The young couple sealed their vows in a storybook wedding before embarking on a journey that spanned 56 remarkable years. Whisked away to Homestead, Florida, in a brand-new 1969 Plymouth Fury to start life with her young Marine, Margaret and Dick wasted no time expanding their family. They welcomed their firstborn, Theresa Ann, in March of the following year, later adding sons David James and Paul William to complete their family. Their journey together was one of profound devotion, creating a legacy of love and laughter that anchored Dick throughout his life. A LIFETIME MARINE & GLOBAL ADVENTURER Seeking adventure and answering a call to duty, Dick joined the United States Marine Corps in the spring of 1963, just shy of his high school graduation. Originally intending to join the Army, the unavailability of an Army recruiter led him to the Marines instead—the first step in what he always felt was a string of fortuitous, divinely guided choices. His military career progressed rapidly. He served as a decorated Marine, chosen for reconnaissance missions in the eastern theater during the mid-1960s, including 20 months in Vietnam with R&R in Australia. Dick spoke fondly of those days, enjoying the sights of Japan and Thailand, and flying missions over Taiwan and Thailand. Over the course of his service, his duty stops took him across the globe, from Massachusetts, Maryland, and Cuba to Hawaii, California, and North Carolina. A brilliant mind with a passion for languages, Dick graduated from the Defense Language Institute (DLI) on May 26, 1965, in Chinese Mandarin. Later stationed in Hawaii and subsequently returning to DLI, he mastered the Chinese language fluently, graduating again on November 21, 1979. He even taught at DLI until 1981, before transferring to Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, where he completed his active military career. Dick earned numerous awards and recognitions throughout his service, always maintaining a deep sense of gratitude and attributing his advancements to divine providence. EDUCATION, MENTORSHIP & COMMUNITY Education was a cornerstone of Dick’s life. Just shy of his 50th birthday, he graduated Cum Laude from the University of Richmond on May 14, 1995, earning a Bachelor of Applied Studies. Unable to stay away from structured mentorship for long, Dick began a second career in 1986 as a JROTC instructor for a new program at Highland Springs High School. Over 20 dedicated years, "Top Dickerson" utilized his military and teaching background to instruct and mentor hundreds of young people, many of whom entered the armed forces after graduation. In retirement, he continued giving back through part-time work with Goodwill in Mechanicsville, substitute teaching, and community service. FAITH & PASSIONS Dick’s Christian faith was his utmost possession. An active member of Calvary Chapel in Mechanicsville, VA, he served faithfully as an usher, provided security detail for ladies' night, and worked in the church bookstore. He attended churches at every port of call throughout his life, including serving as an elder at the Christian Missionary Alliance in Hawaii and attending the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Jacksonville, NC. Dick frequently shared his miraculous deliverance from alcohol as a powerful personal testament to God’s grace and miraculous intervention. Beyond his service and faith, Dick had an infectious zest for life. He was a die-hard Boston/ Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves fan, following the team faithfully since 1952 and celebrating their World Series championships in 1957, 1995, and 2021. A lover of historic travel, he sought out opportunities to ride steam trains whenever possible, turning every journey into a cherished adventure. A voracious reader who consumed thousands of books, Dick sought deep knowledge and alternative perspectives—even studying Hinduism and Buddhism to better understand others. Known for his gentle demeanor, quick wit, and readiness to help anyone in need, he left an indelible mark on all who knew him. LEGACY & SURVIVORS Dick leaves behind a profound legacy of love and resilience. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Margaret; his daughter, Theresa Dickerson of Vero Beach, FL; his son, David Dickerson and his wife, Amy, of King George, VA; and his son, Paul Dickerson of Mechanicsville, VA. He was the proud grandfather to his granddaughters, Cpt. Emily Wren, US Army (Massachusetts), Tiana Harless (Virginia), and Mia Moore (Virginia); and his grandson, Samuel David Dickerson (Virginia). His family remained his greatest pride and joy. MEMORIAL SERVICE & ARRANGEMENTS A memorial service to honor and celebrate Dick’s remarkable life will be held on August 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Affinity Funeral Home, located at 8074 Mechanicsville Tpke, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Calvary Chapel of Mechanicsville.