Jimmie Dickey Obituary

Jimmie Dewell Dickey, 76, peacefully transitioned into Heaven surrounded by his loving and dedicated family on February 13, 2025 at his home in Southaven, Mississippi. He was born in Marks, Mississippi on April 09, 1948 to the late Chester "Chet" Roland & Cecil "Etoyle"(Collums) Dickey Sr. of Belen, Mississippi. He was the Grandson of the late Jimmie Dewell & Addie (Cannon) Collums of Belen, Mississippi and the late William "Billie" Elijah & Alice "Cora" (Gorton) Dickey of Water Valley, Mississippi. He was the Son-in-law of the late Wilbur "Carson" & Bonnie Jo (Caples) Miller of Belen, Mississippi. He was the brother of the late Vera Imogene "Jean" (Dickey) Miller, late Billie "Bill" Lamar Dickey, both of Belen, Mississippi and the late Chester Roland "Junior" Dickey Jr. of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jimmie was preceded in death by the love of his life and the other half of his eternal flame, Bobbie Dale (Miller) Dickey, by 755 days.

Jimmie was born & raised in Belen, Mississippi. He was a 1966 graduate of Marks High School, in Marks Mississippi. He attended Northwest Community College in Senatobia, Mississippi from 1967-1968, before dropping out to serve his country. Jimmie completed basic training at Keesler Air Force Base in April 1969. He worked as a Personnel Specialist during his military career at Columbus Air Force Base, and advanced to the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in August 1976.

At 21 years old, Private 1st Class Airman Jimmie D. Dickey joined into matrimonial bliss with his 15-year-old bride, Bobbie D. Miller at Belen Baptist Church on May 17, 1970. The young couple lived the 1st 7 years of their married life at Columbus Air Force Base in Columbus, Mississippi. During that time, they welcomed two children, A. Shawn Dickey & Jodie L. Dickey-Dalton.

When his time in the service ended, the family returned to Marks, Mississippi and he began his career at an entry level position in the laboratory at the local Oil Mill. Through the years, the family moved around Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, before settling in Desoto County, Mississippi 36 years ago.

Jimmie continued his education earning several degrees & specialized training certificates, while working in numerous laboratories as a Fresh & Wastewater Lab Analyst. He retired from The City of Memphis Wastewater Department in 1990 as a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst, The City of Collierville Wastewater Department in 2003 as a Wastewater Laboratory Supervisor. He went back to school at 55 years old to become certified to work in Freshwater, along with Wastewater. He held several licenses in this field for about 35 years. He retired from The City of Southaven Fresh & Wastewater Department as the Lead Fresh & Wastewater Laboratory Analyst in April 2014.

Jimmie was known to be quiet & reserved. He spent his life being an Honorable, Devoted and Faithful Husband, Father, Father In Law, Uncle, Son, Brother, Nephew, Friend, Cousin and his favorite role in life, "Papa". He loved GOD, his "Country Girl", Family, Friends, Laughing, Old Comedies, Monday night Wrestling, Camping & Music. GOD blessed him with an immense musical talent. His love for music began when he entered the Marks Mississippi High School Marching Band at 13 years old as an Alto Saxophonist. Music came so naturally to him, that by the time he was 15 years old, he purchased a piano and began giving piano lessons. He was proficient in all Woodwind Instruments, Piano, Keyboard, Bass Guitar, Drums, Tambourine, Harmonica and Lead Guitar. Even as the undeniable musical talent ran through his blood, he stayed true to his roots and only publicly played Alto & Tenor Saxophone. His musical talents were so well known & appreciated from the Delta to the Mid-South, if you ever mentioned his name, you always got the same response, "That Boy can blow a horn!". He played in numerous bands such as; Stone Country, Southern Rage, Bad Habbits & Southern Connection to name just a few, and in just about every hole in the wall honky-tonk in the tri-state area. Many times, he had the offer to go on tour, work as a studio musician or play beside some well-known country artists. Instead of chasing his dreams, he stayed grounded, went to work every day, came home to his family each night & played music on the weekends. When asked why he didn't take one of those offers? He always said, "Music won't feed my family.".

In April 1999, he was blessed with the new title of "Papa" and like everything else he attempted, He rocked it! He made the decision to lay his Saxophone down for the 1st 10 years after becoming a grandfather. When asked "Why?". "He said he'd rather have his hands on his grandbabies than on that ole horn" and a hand-on Papa he was; teaching his love for music, life lessons, how to fly kites, how to ride bikes, then how to drive, giving words of advice, he always had a knee to spare, a warm heart and a gentle hand, pat on the back and loving hug when one of "his grandbabies" needed one. He thrived as a Papa and never let one of them leave without a hug and telling them 'I Love You.". PRIDE beamed from his eyes anytime one of their names were mentioned or they walked in the door. They were his all-time favorite people.

Jimmie will forever be missed by his Daughter & Son-in-law, Jodie L Dickey-Dalton & Daniel P. Dalton, of Southaven, Mississippi, Son, A. Shawn Dickey & Fiancé' Eva Guajardo of Memphis, Tennessee. Special Nephew, David Scott Miller of Southaven, Mississippi. Brother-in-law Rickey W. Miller of Hernando, Mississippi, Sister-in-laws Ruby McKinney of Cleveland, Mississippi & Illene Dickey of Belen, Mississippi, Granddaughters; Jennah Baker, R.N. of Lexington, Kentucky, Lacey Kessinger of Horn Lake, Mississippi, Gracie Kemp of Southaven, Mississippi & Luisa Reyna of Memphis, Tennessee, Grandsons; Zane Kessinger of Cookeville, Tennessee, W. Gabryel Wilson of Southaven, Mississippi, Dakota Dalton & Austin Dalton both of Olive Branch, Mississippi. Lifelong Best friends, Bobby Hood & James "Duck" Drake both of Bruce, Mississippi. Jimmie also left behind his beloved cat "Baby" as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends that will forever miss him.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service led by Daniel P. Dalton and Pastor Jeffrey Bohanna will be on May 17, 2025 at Grace Point Believers Christian Church, located at 9745 Highway 178, Olive Branch Mississippi and will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Fellowship Picnic, location to be announced at a later date. All friends & family are invited to attend.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 ESV.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!