Obituary of Grady Gresham Dickerson

Grady Gresham Dickerson II, age 64, of Bentley Road, Sugar Grove, peacefully passed away Saturday evening, December 10, 2022. Born January 6, 1958 in Oxford, NC, he was a son of Grady Gresham and Ann Buchanan Dickerson. Mr. Dickerson is survived by his wife, Teresa Culbreth Dickerson whom he loved devotedly over their 41-year marriage. He is also survived by son Jonathan Grady Dickerson and wife, Whitney, of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Grady Gresham Dickerson III and Ethel Bradford Dickerson; sisters, Lori Dickerson Moore of Wilmington and Pam Hastings of Huddleston, VA; and close cousins, Dale and Nanette Newton, both of Raleigh; and a large extended family of loved ones. Grady was a larger than life figure — the glue for his family, friends, work associates and neighbors. He often checked in with those he loved with a kind word, helpful advice, or a funny text. He had a true servant's heart. One of Grady's favorite activities was being outside in nature and working on his land. He enjoyed good conversation around the burning barrel and pond. Neighbors often referred to him as the mayor of the mountain. His favorite time of the day was sunrise, a time of reflection and peaceful thoughts for the new day. Grady was baptized in the Oxford Baptist Church and attended for many years. He and Teresa were married there as well. Always a dedicated worker, even from a young age, when he began working in his father's plumbing business to help provide for his family. He earned his Master's Degree from East Carolina University. Later, he taught graphics arts at Lenoir Community College before transitioning into the printing industry, where he worked for 30 plus years, primarily with Fuji Film. He was well respected and loved by printers throughout the southeast. However, the most important joy he ever had was that of papa. His family was his world and he was grateful every day for every second spent with his grandkids. He will be missed by many and those who knew him know they were lucky to call him family or friend. Celebration of Life services will be Sunday afternoon, December 18, 2022 at 1 o'clock at the Apple Barn at Valle Crucis Conference Center, 4888 NC 194 S, Banner Elk, NC 28604. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College St., Oxford, NC 27565 or to the Valle Crucis Community Park, 2892 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604. Online condolences may be shared at the website www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Dickerson family.