Kenneth H. Dickerson, Jr

July 21, 2023 – Kenneth H. Dickerson Jr, age 94, of Avon, N.C., has made his final journey home. Heaven and all its angels, were no doubt rejoicing as he entered through its gates. The light of his presence will always be shining down upon us. His love, never yielding. Never fading. It will be forever in the hearts of those who knew him. To his family, there was no other like him. He was their joy.

Born to Kenneth H. Dickerson Sr (stepmother Mary) and Gladys Jennette Dickerson Scarborough (stepfather James), he was raised on Cape Hatteras, NC. His father being the son of Williams J. & Nora M. Dickerson of Oklahoma. At an early age his father joined the U.S. Navy and found himself on the island, where he met the daughter of lighthouse keeper, Devaney F. Jennette and his wife, Ella Gray Jennette. From this union were born, Kenneth and his sister, Ella Nora Dickerson Williams (Bill). 

During high school, he and his sister, in order to graduate, relocated to Elizabeth City, N.C. He took with him his love for baseball. He joined the school team and found himself playing the position of catcher. One could often hear him reminiscing about the years spent playing ball in the days of his youth. He also loved being in nature. Long days were spent hunting at Back Landing Creek and fishing the Point in Buxton. 

In 1949, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and became part of its Strategic Air Command. This led him across the Atlantic, to serve during the Korean War. Four years passed before he was able to return home. During his time away, he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. Ray Ayers (Satellite Beach, Fl), was among those he considered a brother. Once a year his comrades, would reunite at various places on the map, in order to catch up, reminisce, and relive the moments and events they shared. He was so very proud of his time in the service and flew the American Flag at his home, until the end.

After the service, Kenneth found himself doing various jobs until he went to work for the phone company, based out of Norfolk, Va. He worked for them until retirement. Not long after, camping became another passion. With that, he and his long-time best friend and love of thirty years, Edith J. Bradley, would pack up and head across country for several weeks. From one year to the next, they’d plan adventures that would leave both with memories of a lifetime.

Fatherhood also played a huge role in Kenneth’s life. For years, he drove Jeep Waggoneers. He named one of them “Old Betsy” and built a homemade wooden box on top. In it, his two children would lay with pillows and blankets, watching the night sky, as he’d surf-fish. The sound of waves crashing on shore, still to this day, remind his children of those times. No doubt, his spirit can still be found, casting a line into the water, in hopes of catching a drum or bluefish.

Kenneth’s life and its positive impact on others, will never be forgotten as he will forever live in the hearts of his children, Kenneth E. Dickerson and Dawn F. Taylor. The twinkle in his eye and mischievous smile will be found on the faces of his grandchildren & great-grandchildren, Brandi, Justin, Kenneth, and Heidi. The beating of his heart, will be heard in every fond memory of his love, Edith J. Bradley. He is also survived by cherished nieces, nephews, and many friends. His presence will always be with us.

A very special “thank you”, goes out to Adoration Hospice. Their care and support have been irreplaceable. Due to their service and that of loved ones at home, Kenneth was able to spend his last days surrounded by those who loved him. 

The memorial service with military honors will be held at the Jennette Cemetery in Buxton (across from the post office) on Saturday Sept. 9th at 10 a.m. Additional parking will be available at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church (beside the post office). His ashes will be entered next to those who were so patiently waiting for him to join them in Heaven. 

“Well done, Dad. Well done”.

Please share condolences with the family at gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services was entrusted with arrangements.