Jimmie D. Dickens, 81, of Austin, passed from this earth on Thursday, November 22, 2012 with his loving family by his side. He fought a seven-year battle with numerous health problems. Born on March 10, 1931, Jimmie had a wonderful childhood growing up in Kyle, a town he dearly loved. He graduated from Kyle High School in 1948 and enrolled at the University of Texas. In 1951 Jimmie joined the United States Air Force and served our country for four years. During that period, he was stationed at the Municipal Airport in Memphis, Tennessee, where he met Peggy Richardson, a secretary in the same office. Six months later, they were married and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 25 of this year. Jimmie served a year with the 8th Flight-Bomber Wing in Suwon, Korea. Upon discharge, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos (now Texas State) and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education. He spent his entire professional career with the Texas Department of Health, starting in 1957 until 1986, when he retired as Director of the General Sanitation Division. In recognition of his achievements in the field of Environmental Health, Jimmie received the I.E. Scott award in 1989. Jimmie loved the outdoors and was most at peace with the quiet serenity, natural beauty and unique wildlife that this great state has to offer. Many happy years were spent hunting with his father, Lott Dickens, on the Gregg Ranch in Kyle.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Lott and Helena Dickens. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Peggy; his daughter, Jackie, and son-in-law, Terry Kemmy, and grandchildren Jennifer and Ryan Kemmy.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 24. Interment followed at Kyle Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to In-Kind, Inc. at Westover Hills Church of Christ, Hospice Austin or your favorite charity. Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com.
