Richard Dudley Dickson, Sr., age 68, of Thomaston, Ga., died at his home on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

He was born on January 18, 1955, to the late Steven Dudley Dickson and Lucille Pittman Dickson. He grew up in Jonesboro, Ga., and later lived in College Park, Ga., and Columbia, South Carolina. As a young man, he honorably served his country in the United States Army. He then spent his career in auto repair, at one time owning his own shop. After a serious accident 15 years ago, he came to live with his sister Kathy in Thomaston where he continued to reside until his death.

A master of machinery, Richard loved to work on cars and wouldn't let up until he figured out how to fix a problem. Anyone who knew him knew he loved Chevy, the Georgia Bulldogs, Waffle House and Gunsmoke. He also loved sitting on his front porch passing the time with passersby. It was not uncommon for nearby workers and neighbors to stop and roll down their car windows for a conversation when driving by. He loved animals, especially dogs. He will be missed by all who loved him.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents as well as his sisters Marsha Dickson Loury and Kathy Susan Dickson. Survivors include: his son Richard Dudley Dickson, Jr.; his nieces Yvette Loury Upton and Tracie Dianne Waits; his great nephews Jeremy Seth Hall and Christopher Devin Smith; his great nieces Cyntheia Ansli Waits and Amelia Dianne Upton; as well as his close friends Steven Barnes, his neighbor and caregiver, and Darrell Waits, his friend of 55 years.

The family will host a private memorial service.