Theodore Richardson Dycus

Theodore “Theo” Richardson Dycus was born on May 6, 1930, to Foster and Delia Dycus in Mayflower, Arkansas. He passed from this life and gained true freedom on July 4, 2024. When Theo was ten years old, he and his six siblings lost their mother. Foster then married Letha Woodham, and four children were added to that union.

While Theo was known for his quiet, gentle spirit, the legacy he leaves behind speaks volumes. Growing up as a young boy, the days were spent in the fields working with his parents as sharecroppers. As a young man, he was drafted into the US Army where he fought in the Korean War and became a Purple Heart recipient. While fighting for his country and fighting for his life, he told God, “Lord, if you will spare me, I’ll give my life to you.” Theo made it home where he gave his life to God, and from there the blessings began to flow. He met the love of his life, Syble Marie Fleming, and they were married on July 30, 1954. They would welcome two daughters, Anita Whittington (Ted) and Patricia Melton (Mark) both of North Little Rock; six grandchildren, Tiffany Whittington, Ryan Melton, Jerrod Whittington (Holly), Rachel Downs (Greg), Rebekah Sanford (Stephen), and Rhett Melton (Hannah); fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Theo was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Buryl and Doyle Dycus; two sisters, Allene Walls and Wanda Kay Thomas. Theo has now been reunited with the love of his life, Syble Marie.

His surviving siblings are Lavern Green, Polly Wickliffe, Syble Ussery, Hershel Dycus (Madonna), Rev. Bobby Dycus (Mary Ann), and Pamela Moore (Richard).

Theo and his brothers owned Dycus Brothers Masonry Contractors, and he worked as a bricklayer to provide for his family that he loved so dearly. He was a faithful pillar of New Life Ministries where he served as a trustee for over forty years.

Though his words were few, his smile and laughter were contagious, and his love and kindness were felt by all. He loved God, and he loved people and made an impact that would touch generations. Every life he touched was left for the better. Therefore, he leaves behind so many wonderful memories to be cherished in the hearts of his family and all those who knew him. What a true soldier!

The family would like to thank some very special people who gave of themselves as caregivers for Theo during the last years of his life: granddaughter Tiffany Whittington, Araina Stouffer, Carla Neal, VA Geriatrics, API, Arkansas Hospice, and his immediate family, including brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. Thank you, Randy and Kim Hughes (McSwains), for making sure he had his favorite foods.

Visitation will be from 6;00 - 8:00 PM, Monday, July 8, 2024 at New Life Ministries, 12506 Hwy 165, North Little Rock. Funeral will begin at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 9 at the church with the  Interment Ceremony to follow at the Keo Cemetery.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.