William "David" Dickey

David was known for many things throughout his storied life — his prominent football career, his perpetual sense of humor, his love of good music and a fine cigar, and his passion for fly fishing to name but a few.

David was born in Palestine, Texas, on February 10, 1946, to J.C. and Lena Mae Dickey and grew up the youngest of three children. He played football for Palestine High School and quickly garnered the attention of college scouts.

David committed to the University of Arkansas over other Southwest Conference teams in his home state, becoming a three-year letterman, a 1968 SWC champion, and a 1969 Sugar Bowl champion as a Razorback.

His first start at running back, against Texas A&M in 1966, featured four of his 31 career touchdowns. In 1967, he scored 16 touchdowns from scrimmage, the highest mark in the SWC that year and the second-most in the nation. His 25 career rushing touchdowns are tied for the seventh-most in Arkansas history.

Just before a game his senior year, David was in street clothes with a knee injury. Head coach Frank Broyles asked if he wanted to say anything to the team before they took the field. With tears running down his cheeks, he said, “Men, you don't know what you’ve got ‘til you have it taken away. Now go out there, and play your hearts out.”

He was inducted into the Razorback Hall of Honor in September 2019, an accolade made more meaningful that particular year, as grandson Robert, a freshman, became the third generation to attend the U of A and shared the field that day as part of the Razorback Marching Band.

David spent his professional life of more than 50 years in the investment banking industry. His career provided him the opportunity to build lifelong friendships with colleagues and clients.

He could find the funny in nearly any situation. He loved a good one-liner and never met a dad joke he didn’t like.

Family always came first to David. Known to his eight grandchildren as “DD,” he was always ready for fun. He never failed to show interest in whatever his grandchildren were into, and he supported their every endeavor with enthusiasm and love.

In his later years, he created the “Gummy Gang,” a group coined when the neighborhood children would stop by his house after school for fruit snacks and conversation.

David will always be #44 in our programs, but forever #1 in our hearts.

David is survived by the love of his life, Sharon; his golden retriever, Happy; his children, Helen Stewart (Kevin), Mary Jane Dickey-Crewe (David), and Ben Dickey (Beth Blofson); his stepsons, David Testerman (Heather) and Jeff Testerman; his grandchildren, Robert and Patrick Stewart, Benjamin Crewe, Moses Dickey-Blofson, Will and Jake Testerman, and Jackie and Evan Testerman; and countless friends and extended family. He is predeceased by his parents, J.C. and Lena Mae, his sister Margaret Sue, and his brother James Carroll.

The family would like to extend its deepest thanks to David’s caregivers, Bonita Jordan and Inus Quincey, who provided him loving and steadfast care.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

In David’s memory, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to St. Jude’s Hospital.