Richard was such a fine man. He and I grew up together in Graceland Baptist Church, as well as being classmates. He always had a smile on his face! Even though I had not seen him in quite a while, there is a very empty place in my heart today.
I met Richard when I was in the eighth grade and the Dickson family first moved to Whitehaven. My mother and Marion, Richard's mom, planned an outing at Maywood and I remember being introduced to Richard for the first time he put out his hand for a grown-up handshake. I immediately took a liking to this kid from Picayune who seemed to have one foot in the adult world before I did. We became fast friends and a couple of years later formed the Jondykes, a merging of our last names - Jontz, Dickson, Sykes (Ronnie Sykes rounding out the third voice in our Kingston Trio covers). Richard was a quick wit and a terrific athlete. He had polio as a child and was determined not to let that slow him down. He found that he could excel at swimming and led the Whitehaven swim team throughout high school always striving to be the best he could be. Richard was a strong influence on me during those years. He was a fine human being and he will be missed.
Richard and I met sophomore year, when I began at Whitehaven, and remained good friends through graduation. I admired his intelligence, wit, and ability always to find joy in life. He was indeed an adult before many of us were and always seemed to be able to understand the larger world in ways many of us could not. He was charismatic; people wanted to listen to him and to follow him. He could have been a great politician, I always felt, and I mean that in the best possible way. He was a born leader. He never let the consequences of polio prevent him from being upbeat and quintessentially 'cool.' I am especially thankful that he and I renewed our friendship these last few years through the miracle of FaceBook. Richard was one of the good guys.
I was so sad to hear about Richard's passing. He was especially kind, and a true and humble leader in our class. I considered it a high honor to be pictured with him in the Best Citizens section of the yearbook because I admired him so much. It was a special treat to visit with Richard and Lanier at the 50th year reunion. I had not seen him in many years, but in a way it seemed only yesterday. That is the quality of friendships which began at such a special time and fostered lifelong bonds. I was blessed to have known Richard. He was a gift to all who were fortunate enough to share time with him in life's journey.
I never knew Richard Dixon had polio until Mark Pilkinton's note above. For that matter, I never knew Richard Dixon . . . but I knew how he walked. It looked painful.
I always watched him in the halls. His clattering, teetering gate was unmistakable. I've seem him grimace and rest sometimes when I saw him in a WHS hallway, but I never heard him groan or grumble about what his legs were putting him through. He earned my respect early on.
Kaye Kell (Lowe)
Richard was such a fine man. He and I grew up together in Graceland Baptist Church, as well as being classmates. He always had a smile on his face! Even though I had not seen him in quite a while, there is a very empty place in my heart today.
Phil Leadford
RIP Richard. God be with your family during this time of sorrow.Jimmy Jontz
I met Richard when I was in the eighth grade and the Dickson family first moved to Whitehaven. My mother and Marion, Richard's mom, planned an outing at Maywood and I remember being introduced to Richard for the first time he put out his hand for a grown-up handshake. I immediately took a liking to this kid from Picayune who seemed to have one foot in the adult world before I did. We became fast friends and a couple of years later formed the Jondykes, a merging of our last names - Jontz, Dickson, Sykes (Ronnie Sykes rounding out the third voice in our Kingston Trio covers). Richard was a quick wit and a terrific athlete. He had polio as a child and was determined not to let that slow him down. He found that he could excel at swimming and led the Whitehaven swim team throughout high school always striving to be the best he could be. Richard was a strong influence on me during those years. He was a fine human being and he will be missed.
Mark Pilkinton
Richard and I met sophomore year, when I began at Whitehaven, and remained good friends through graduation. I admired his intelligence, wit, and ability always to find joy in life. He was indeed an adult before many of us were and always seemed to be able to understand the larger world in ways many of us could not. He was charismatic; people wanted to listen to him and to follow him. He could have been a great politician, I always felt, and I mean that in the best possible way. He was a born leader. He never let the consequences of polio prevent him from being upbeat and quintessentially 'cool.' I am especially thankful that he and I renewed our friendship these last few years through the miracle of FaceBook. Richard was one of the good guys.
Billy Steward
Can someone post the obituary link for Richard?Thanks.
Sheila Hall
I was so sad to hear about Richard's passing. He was especially kind, and a true and humble leader in our class. I considered it a high honor to be pictured with him in the Best Citizens section of the yearbook because I admired him so much. It was a special treat to visit with Richard and Lanier at the 50th year reunion. I had not seen him in many years, but in a way it seemed only yesterday. That is the quality of friendships which began at such a special time and fostered lifelong bonds. I was blessed to have known Richard. He was a gift to all who were fortunate enough to share time with him in life's journey.
My sincere sympathy goes to his family.
Sheila Hall
John Donahoo
I never knew Richard Dixon had polio until Mark Pilkinton's note above. For that matter, I never knew Richard Dixon . . . but I knew how he walked. It looked painful.
I always watched him in the halls. His clattering, teetering gate was unmistakable. I've seem him grimace and rest sometimes when I saw him in a WHS hallway, but I never heard him groan or grumble about what his legs were putting him through. He earned my respect early on.