Albert Frederick Dickerson, born August 2, 1927, in Henderson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 20, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and family.

Albert was the beloved son of John Robert and Annie Laura Newton Dickerson. One of nine children, Albert was preceded in death by his brothers, John Maurice, Henry Cheatham, William Roger, Charles Randolph, and his sisters, Mary Lee Crocker, Julia Mae Wortham, Irene Elizabeth Flowers, and Alice Jeanette Weatherford.

Albert served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. It was after the war that he met Eleanor Gladys Stainback on a blind date. They married and dedicated their lives to the family farm, raising tobacco, soybeans, and wheat. Together, they raised three daughters, Phyllis Dianne Perkinson, Betty Gayle Curtis (Charles), and Sandra Kay Willis (deceased).

Albert loved his family deeply and welcomed many nephews to the farm during summers, sharing his love for farming and sometimes dispensing pearls of wisdom. He and Gladys delighted in hosting large family reunions, where pig pickings and Brunswick stews were enjoyed by all. Sunday picnics under the huge backyard oak tree created lasting memories. They were the epitome of hospitality, always welcoming their daughters' friends for visits and sleepovers and never missing an opportunity to invite their own friends and family for dinners and often lively card games.

After nearly 35 years of marriage, Gladys passed away in 1983. Albert continued farming and expanded his business, Dickerson Enterprises, with the support of his brothers, particularly Maurice and Randolph.

Albert later married Ethel Hilliard Patterson, bringing her three children, Gregory Todd (Beverly Satterwhite), Connie Lynn Cluderay (Tom), and Cynthia Michelle (Erik Kingsbury), into the family. Together, Albert and Ethel enjoyed their retirement, crafting bespoke woodworking pieces for family and friends and traveling to visit loved ones.

Ethel preceded Albert in death in 2021. In his later years, Albert's grandson, Brandon Hughes, returned from Hawaii to become his devoted caregiver, allowing Albert to remain comfortably in his home. His oldest grandson, Wesley Hughes, was a constant source of support and assistance. Albert's daughter, Betty, was a trusted confidant, advisor, and southern cuisine home chef.

Albert is survived by his loving family, including 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and a host of very loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a beloved granddaughter, Donna Michelle Perkinson.

His life will be celebrated at Cokesbury Methodist Church on Wednesday, July 24 with a visitation at 11:00 a.m., and a service at 12:00 p.m., followed by his burial in the church cemetery. Albert loved color, so all friends and family in attendance are encouraged to wear colors in honor of Albert's life-loving personality. Additionally, any remarks that attendees wish to make including stories about Albert's life will be welcomed during his celebration. Serving as pallbearers are Albert's grandchildren Wesley Hughes, Brandon Hughes, Chris Daniel, Melissa Willis, Jessie Willis, Tim Willis, and Johnny Perkinson.

Albert's family wishes to thank Pastor Michael Edmondson for his friendship to Albert and support during this time.

Albert's family also discovered that sometimes angels wear Mickey Mouse scrubs as they were blessed to have Stacie Overby care for Albert and the entire family with her love, compassion, and dedication during his final weeks. Thank you, Visiting Angel; you made all things better.

In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations to Cokesbury Methodist Church, Attn. Ruth Moss, 1705 Allison Cooper Road, Henderson, NC 27537, in memory of Albert Dickerson, who loved and supported the church during the entirety of his life.