Fred Irvin “Silent Fred” Dickerson, 106, of Mars Hill, NC passed away August 21, 2017 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center in Asheville. A native of Greensboro, Mr. Dickerson was born May 6, 1911 to the late Rufus Raymond Dickerson (1955) and Blanche Eva Welker Dickerson (1986). In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Mae Dickerson; brothers, Herman Dickerson, Glenn Dickerson, Sir Douglass Dickerson, and Clayton Dickerson.

Mr. Dickerson was a graduate of Reidsville High School, earned his BA from Davidson College, and his MS from Louisiana State University. Mr. Dickerson served in the United States Navy during WWII. He retired from his career in education where he was a college coach and a high school principal. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed music, and many sports such as tennis, track, football, basketball, and golf. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Commanders Club, the National Arbor Day Foundation, United States Tennis Association, AARP, and was a Special Olympics Partner. He loved all children.

Survivors include his children, Fred M. Dickerson of Summerfield, FL, Doris Jean Haynes of Jonesborough, TN, and Patricia Ann Dickerson of Mars Hill; grandchildren, Mark Dickerson (Jacque) of Clayton, Ryan Dickerson of Apex, Dena Pyne (Doug) of Katy, TX, Kathryn Haynes of Jonesborough, TN, and Rebecca Haynes of Jonesborough, TN; great-grandchildren, Austin Tate, Payton Dickerson of Clayton, Rachel Pyne of Katy, TX, and Andrew Pyne of Katy, TX; nieces and nephews, Lawrence Dickerson (Cynthia) of Statesville, Thomas Dickerson (Marissa) of Statesville, James Dickerson (Michelle) of Hickory, Diane Patino of Pooler, GA, and Becky Whitlock (Bill) of Greensboro.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church with Rev. Feild Russell officiating. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of CarePartners Solace Hospice.

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