Dudley Wayne Bickham

Dudley Wayne Bickham, M.D., 89, died October 2, 2024. Dr. Bickham was a 1957 Auburn University graduate and a 1960 University of Alabama Medical School graduate. He served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force as a physician for six years and then served 16 years in the S.C. Air National Guard as a flight surgeon. He retired after 22 years of military service as a Lt. Col.

Dr. Bickham worked as a psychiatrist for the S.C. Department of Mental Health for 40 years from 1971 until September 2011. He was also on the clinical teaching faculty of the University of S.C. Medical School Department of Psychiatry for approximately 25 years. For many years he was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church, the Columbia Medical Society, and the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Bickham was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Beth Adams Bickham. He is survived by his children, Kathy Bickham, Lisa Aucoin (Russ), Adam Bickham, April Heffner (Toby), Teresa Kreeger (Nathan), and Monica Bickham, 24 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 7th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, and a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 8th at 12:00 p.m. in Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

Known for his generous spirit and unique sense of humor, Wayne was always looking for opportunities to give someone a good chuckle or sometimes an audible groan. His kindness will be missed by all.

Donations honoring his memory can be made to the S.C. National Guard Scholarship Fund.