Thomas "Tommy" Dickson

Thomas Richard Dickson was born April 1, 1966 in New Castle, Pennsylvania and was escorted to Heaven by angels on August 27, 2021 in Jacksonville, Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard, his Father-in-law Reverend George Clay, and his Mother-in-Law Wilma Clay. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 24 years, Javene; his children, Lani (Jimmy) Le, Carissa (Matt) Hardage, Elliott (Monica) Crabtree, Ashley (Les) Mathis, Britton (Katie) Frazier, and Jess “Booboo” Dickson; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Gelvy) Neill, Alyiah Crabtree, Mason Crabtree, Ella Claire Hardage, Elijah Hardage, Levi Hardage, Jakob Le, Mai Linh Le, Keegan Sparks, Scout Mathis, Olivia Frazier, Avery Frazier, Georgia Frazier, and Molly Frazier; his great-grandchildren, Jose and Isabella; his parents, Thomas and Micheline Dickson; his siblings, Kathy (Phil) Hyatt and Harvey (Debbie) Dickson; his niece and nephews, Ashlie (Teron) Ellis, Zack Dutze, and Tristan Dutze; and his great nieces and nephews, Landen, TJ, Summer, Austin, and Bella.

Tommy always spoke fondly about his childhood. They lived in Japan, Taiwan, and Germany throughout his Father’s service in the Army. They would take family vacations all over Europe, and according to him, going to school in Germany was the greatest experience anyone could ever have. He laughed as he talked about how he and his friends would have too much fun at lunch to return to class. Tommy often spoke about how he and his siblings were quite mischievous growing up. He loved regaling us with stories about how they would frustrate his mom. He loved his parents intensely and visited as often as he could. He always made sure to request his mother’s apple dumplings and mushroom chicken before each visit. She was his lifeline, and Tommy loved his Sunday afternoon phone calls from her. Pop was his hero, and the impact he had on Tommy’s love for family was deep.

After graduating from Lawrence County Votech in New Castle in June 1984, he attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science in 1988. After graduating college he felt the call to serve his country like his father had done before him and joined the Army. He was stationed at Fort Bliss, where he served as Air and Missile Defense Team Leader. As a combat veteran, he was honorably discharged in 1992. He joined the North Little Rock Police Department on April 26, 1993, where he received several commendations for his service. He retired from the department on July 1, 2018. He went to work for City of Cabot Code Enforcement in July 2018, where he was employed to date.

Tommy and Javene married on April 26, 1997 and agreed that God was the Cornerstone of their marriage. He wanted a large family, and God has truly blessed him with the best. Tommy and Javene set out to merge their families, establishing the creed “Faith, Family, Football”... in that order. His love for football was second only to his love and devotion to his family. In their wedding ceremony, the vows they exchanged included a promise to make Super Bowl Sunday a family holiday.  And it was just that for twenty-four years.

Tommy was proud of his children. His daughter, Jess, was born in 1992, joining his daughter Ashley and son Britton. Lani, Carissa, and Elliott were added in 1997 and his heart grew. Tommy’s heart always had room for more. Beth Bittinger and Ana Zambrano are among many friends who found a second family with Tommy.

He took great pride in being what he called “the youngest grandfather ever.” He enjoyed the daily conversations with his grandkids and, on very special occasions, a 3:00 AM breakfast while on a midnight shift. His most cherished gifts were his grandpa shirts and he wore them proudly. He always said he wanted to be able to see his great-grandchildren, and he accomplished that.

Another title Tommy was extremely proud of was “Godfather”. His Godchildren Ashlie Ellis, and Liam and Caleb Beaston held a special place in his heart.

Javene’s family wrapped their arms around him, and he is respected and loved by them for his devotion to his family. Shannon and Terry are both very familiar with his John Deere tractor after taking care of his yard during the 4-month stay in Houston. He’s joining George and Wilma in heaven, and has already had a slice of Mom’s apple pie she made just for him. And he’s most likely at the range, target shooting with Dad. That would be heaven to both of them.

Tommy was blessed with countless wonderful friends. His brothers in blue were deep in his heart. He shared all of life’s ups and downs with his fellow officers and their families. To a man they were friends and brothers to the end.

Tommy was a fan of fantasy football and together with Javene they started a Family Fantasy Football league. The competition was intense. All the kids were required to play and even some of the grandchildren decided they were tough enough to take on their Grandpa. Tommy was the commissioner and mysteriously over the course of the years became a three-time champion, a title that made him so proud. Tommy and Javene always looked forward to having the whole family gather for the draft and awards parties. His other hobbies included fishing, hunting with his boys, bonfires, and competitive family game nights. He loved Mexican train, and Monica was his favorite spades partner.

Tommy and Javene loved to travel, especially with their kids and grandkids. Their favorite vacation spots were Colorado, Pennsylvania, and the Blue Haven Resort at Branson. They visited the family farm in Edinburg, Pennsylvania often, and it was a beloved place for him. He loved to visit his parents there and would walk all fifty acres talking about memories of growing up. While he was there, he was sure to visit his closest childhood friends, Mark and Dom Stoner. Quaker Steak and Lube was a must.

Tommy had a soft spot for animals. Some of his most beloved pets were his horse, Rohan, his childhood dog Snoopy, and his spoiled dog, Tagwyn. Tommy was very proud of the home he established with Javene. He spent hours taking care of the yard with music blasting in his headphones. The time and effort he put in matched what he always gave to everything he did.

We are thankful for God’s merciful kindness and that Tommy isn’t suffering or in pain any longer. We will miss the “master chef” making his lasagna and spaghetti. We will miss his sense of humor and irritating him when we block his view of the Steelers game. We will miss the sarcasm he always delivered with such expertise. We will miss his devotion to God. We will miss his imaginative birthday cake creations. He leaves a huge hole in our family that only God can fill.

In lieu of flowers, please continue the tradition Tommy started with his girls and donations can be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital . He said no child should ever have to endure the pain and suffering he has had to go through. If you would prefer, you may also support the scholarship started by Javene and her siblings in honor of Tommy’s father-in-law, Reverend George and Mrs. Wilma Clay Scholarship for small church pastor support. The website for the fund is http://www.numf.org .

Memorial service will be Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107) with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Family requests masks be worn.