Lionel Eugene Dickerson
Lionel Eugene Dickerson, 92, of New Vienna, passed away July 24, 2024.
Lionel was the son of the late Rev. Vernon and Myrtle Dickerson.
Lionel accepted Christ as a young man, and he had tremendous faith and trust in God until he drew his last breath and his heart squeezed one final time. He was a longtime member of Laurel Gorge Enterprise Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, Ky., and while living and being cared for by his daughter, Anette, and son-in-law, Keith, attended Lakeview Baptist Church in Hillsboro.
Lionel married the love of his life, Goldie, in 1952, and remained faithful to his sweetheart for 68 years. Together, they raised three children, Vicki, Anette and Danny in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Lionel had a successful 35-year career at General Motors, was an avid hunter and enjoyed trolling the waters of Lake Erie for walleye.
Lionel was an ordained deacon, and in this capacity, he attended to the sick and elderly of his congregation, often visiting hospitals and supplying groceries to those in need. In the 1960s, Lionel and his family produced a weekly radio broadcast which featured family singing southern gospel songs. His brother, Elmo, announced songs and read mail from listeners, while his brother, Lawrence, rounded out the hour with God’s word. Lionel loved music and often he would entertain — picking and singing renditions of George Jones’ gospel greats like “Homecoming in Heaven.” As Lionel’s children grew, they learned to play instruments, harmonize with mom and dad, and make a joyful noise together. Lionel knew the Holy scripture; he believed and lived its eternal truths. He was so looking forward to Heaven, and toward the end of his journey, he stated to his children that he wanted to “get this show on the road.”
He is survived by his and Goldie’s three children, Vicki (Dewey) Hagerman of Medina, Anette (Rev. Keith) Perkins of New Vienna and Danny (Marilyn) Dickerson of Garfield Heights; his 10 precious grandchildren, Brian (Amy) Hagerman, Brandon (Bethany) Hagerman, Nichole (Benjamin) Bauman and Natalie (Daniel) Short, Kristina (Troy) LeFever, Andrew (Jessica) Dickerson, Amber and Adam Dickerson, Danielle (Greg) Betley and Jacob (Mikayla) Dickerson; and four step-grandchildren, Thomas, Ronald, Matthew and Rachel Perkins. Lionel could be found handing out suckers and dollar bills to his 33 great-grandchildren, Grace, Gabriella, Brendan, Blake, Giabella, Genevieve, Braxton, Cecelia and Celeste Hagerman, Madison, Brayden, Charlotte and Elliana Bauman, Audrey, Evan, Kaitlynn, Sophia and Brooklyn Short, Chasity (Travis) Kubik, Chase and Brittany Lilly, Brady and Noah LeFever, Jeffrey (Kennedy), Brandon and Cameron Zimmerman, Avery and Lydia Dickerson, Bodhi and Brooks Betley and Milah, Jocelyn and Myles Dickerson; along with five great-great grandchildren, Kennedy, Asher, Roman, Genesis and Kylo. Lionel is also survived by one brother, Clavis (Edith) Dickerson; and one sister, Loverta Dickerson of Sandy Hook, Ky.
Lionel was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie Dickerson; infant baby girl, Cathy Dickerson; granddaughter, Angela Lilly; brothers, Elmo, Lawrence, Leslie, Lewis and Donald Dickerson; and one sister, Loretta Gilliam.
Visitation and funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at Laurel Gorge Enterprise Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, Ky. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., when a funeral service will begin. Pastor Rodney Gilliam will officiate. Burial will follow in the Elliott County Memory Gardens. The Turner & Son Funeral Home in Hillsboro is serving the family.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.