Merrell Favor Dickey

He was born on the 7th day, the 7th child of 7. Merrell F. Dickey joined his mother, siblings, youngest son, Chad, family, and friends in Paradise on July 25, 2024. He lived a full life of 88 years, and leaves his loved ones here, saddened by the loss, but heartened that he is at peace and no longer in pain. In addition to his love, his partner, and his beautiful wife, Helen, he leaves on this earth a wonderful family and friends who will continue to love him and remember his relentless desire to see all he knew succeed and thrive. He was our champion. Merrell T, his son, Charisse, his daughter, Bill, his son-in-law, Adria his daughter-in-law, his seven grandchildren, Carter, Nathan, Kristin, David, Zack, Luke, and Jake, his granddaughter in law, Bailey, his great granddaughter, Blakely, and his great grandson, Levitt, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Joan, and his many nephews, nieces, and cousins are blessed to have had such an amazing dad, father-in-law, granddad, great granddad, and family member who deeply cared for us all. He was selfless as he placed his family’s needs above his own. Merrell had a deep faith in God, loved his country, and was a true patriot and US Veteran. He came from humble roots, grew up in Tampa, attended Hillsborough High School, and enjoyed basketball, tennis, golf, singing, and conversing with his neighbors in Temple Terrace. Even when riding home from the hospital, he was singing a country song from the playlist on his phone. Merrell was proud of the fact that he had been able to buy his mother a home, and of his success in hospital administration in Hollywood, FL, and his career in finance, accounting, and as the executive director of Pinellas Comprehensive Alcohol Services. During the latter part of his life with us, he provided wisdom, guidance, and counsel to his children and grandchildren, and he provided loving, dedicated care for his wife Helen. He enjoyed going on golf cart rides with his wife, and visits to his daughter and daughter-in-law’s homes for family get togethers. Merrell and his wife attended Sunday Mass at Corpus Christi where they were long time members, and he enjoyed many years of singing in the choir, and in his quartet, CC Harmony. The world is a better place because Merrell F. Dickey was a part of it, and all who crossed paths with him were enriched. We know he is living life abundantly in God’s glory, but we are sad that we can no longer pick up the phone and call him, text him, or be with him in person. We love you Merrell F. Dickey.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11 am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Temple Terrace, FL. In lieu of flowers consider making a gift to St. Vincent de Paul CARES in memory of Merrell F. Dickey at www.svdp.care/donate. Checks can be sent to St. Vincent de Paul CARES 384 15th St. N. St. Petersburg, FL, 33705 with a note in the memo line.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and care during this challenging time.