Dickey Jerrald Johnson, born on April 4, 1941, passed away on June 10, 2024 at the age of 83. Known for his mischievous childhood and adventurous spirit, Dickey led a life full of remarkable experiences and dedicated hard work.
Dickey’s early years were characterized by a playful and mischievous nature, setting the tone for a life lived with zest and curiosity. His love for adventure led him to become a skilled pilot, learning to navigate the skies in 1978, he found freedom among the clouds. He shared the joy of flight with countless young souls through the Young Eagles program.
As a lineman, Dickey stood as a witness to history, perched atop a pole in Titusville during the Challenger tragedy. His career also took him to the unforgiving terrains of Alaska's North Slopes, where his resilience and dedication shone through in ensuring the community's infrastructure remained steadfast.
His resilience and dedication were evident throughout his career, whether he was ensuring the community’s lights stayed on or navigating the open roads as a truck driver. He continued driving big rigs well into his 70s, only stepping back when back issues made long distance travel impossible.
In his spare time, Dickey was a true jack-of-all-trades and could fix anything. In addition to his many adventures, he had a deep love for working on cars and planes, spending countless hours tinkering in the garage.
Dickey had a special fondness for Alaska, a place where the rugged wilderness mirrored the strength of his spirit. His visits to Fairbanks, where his brothers resided, were not just reunions but anchors of joy and connection in his life. Dickey was known for his toughness, a quality that carried him through many challenges.
Dickey was a member of Tuckerdale Baptist Church, attending faithfully until his health prevented him from participating in person.
He is now forever reunited with his beloved wife Marie Johnson, a reunion that brings comfort to those who knew their deep bond. Dickey was also preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Virginia Johnson, brother E.R. Johnson, sister Betty Jo Johnson, and cousin and best friend Bob Johnson.
Dickey is survived by sons Rodney Johnson (Kim) of Lansing, Chad Johnson (Michelle) of Jefferson, daughter Rebecca Doll (Anthony) of Hillsborough, grandchildren Noah Johnson, Sara Johnson, Piper Johnson, Owen Doll, Madeline Doll, and Olivia Doll, brother Joe Johnson (Josie) of Fairbanks, AK, sister Linda Johnson, and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are best friends James (Jimbo) Combs, Kevin Houck of Jefferson, and faithful feline companion, Tiger.
Per Dickey's wishes, there will be no services. May his spirit soar high like the planes he once piloted, forever free and untamed and may his memory live on in the stories we tell.
Memorials may be made to Tuckerdale Baptist Church, P.O. Box 175, Lansing, NC 28643 or the Young Eagles program in care of EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54903.