John Dickinson

John A. Dickinson, a loving and devoted husband and father passed away on Monday, December 19, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. John was 81 years old. Celebration of Life: To be held at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home on Saturday, January 7, 2017 with Rev. Richard M. Freeman and Dr. Andrew Nunley III officiating. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in John's name to Project Help, First United Methodist Church of Bedford, 1245 Bedford Road, Bedford, Texas 76021. John served as a Counselor for several years and saw first-hand the needs of the community. John was born on September 4, 1935 in Prescott, Arkansas to Reverend Johnnie Reace Dickinson and Katherine Hardison Dickson. At an early age, he found that he and his brothers were responsible for chores around the church, whether it was the yard work or rising early to start the fire in the wood-burning stove so the parishioners would be comfortable. From the fourth grade, John remembered picking cotton to buy his school clothes. He had a fine-tuned work ethic that lasted a lifetime. John graduated from Bearden High School in Bearden, Arkansas in 1954 as Valedictorian. He attended Southwestern Assembly of God College, Waxahachie, then transferred to Texas Wesleyan College as a music major. Before long his interest in science took precedence with pre-med courses. He knew he had found his real love and graduated in 1958 with a B.S. Degree. Not only had he found his love for science, but he also found the love of his life when he met and married Betty Ruth Burns on January 28, 1957. It was a love affair that lasted almost 60 years. Graduating from Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, in May 1963, he began an Internship at Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego, California. In his 8-year Navy career, he completed Flight Surgery training, serving with Helicopter Squadron 10, based at Ream Field, then a 3-year Dermatology Residency. His last billet was as Director of Dermatology Clinic, U.S. Naval Hospital, Newport, R.I. He attained the rank of Commander. His military years were spent forming life-long friendships and fond memories. In 1971, Dr. Dickinson began his Dermatology practice in the Mid-Cities area. He retired on January 1, 2002. Finding that he truly missed contact with his patients, he continued to practice part-time sharing the office of his good friend and colleague, Dr. David Miller. He held memberships in the Fort Worth Dermatology Society, Texas Dermatological Society, American Academy of Dermatology, Tarrant County Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. The joy of his life was serving God, caring for his family, his patients and being with those he loved and enjoyed, whether family or friends. Family vacations took high priority, but fishing was a special love, especially salmon fishing in Alaska. John had a sharp mind, quick wit and kind nature. He will be sorely missed. Survivors: Wife, Betty Dickinson of North Richland Hills; daughter Alicia Kay Cramer and husband, Chris, of Houston; daughter, Jennifer Ann Carpenter of Bedford; sister Bonnie Mitchell and husband, Dan, of Birmingham, Alabama; brother Joel Dickinson and wife, Nancy of Newman, California; and sister, Doris Burns and husband Wilburn, of Temple. John was preceded in death by his brother, Alvis Dickinson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Special gratitude to Seasons Hospice for their kind and constant care during his last few days. Private Interment.