Thomas Leonard Dickey's Obituary
Thomas Leonard Dickey of Longview passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2002.
A native of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, he was born September 30, 1917 to Leonard and Laura Dickey. After attending school in Arkansas he moved to Longview in 1938 beginning his career in the theatre industry at the Rembert Theatre on Cotton Street where he met and married Jane McCarthy of Longview. Moving quickly from Doorman to Manager, Tom was employed by the Jefferson Amusement Co. and East Texas Theatres, Inc. managing theatres in Longview, Nacogdoches, Henderson, Lufkin and Port Arthur. In the early sixties Tom Left the theatre business to manage the Downtowner Motor Inn and Restaurant on Methvin Street and was named Restaurant Manager of the Year in 1968 by the 74 member Downtowner Motor Inn Corporation. In 1972 he returned to the theatre, and was named manger of the new Jerry Lewis Twin Theatre when it opened in August of that year. Later he was part owner and operator of the Globetrotter Motor Inn.
A faithful and serving member of the First Christian Church, Tom was a member of the Cornerstone Sunday School Class. He has been a member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis, and Rotary Organizations and also a member of the Longview Bonsai Club.
Preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ike Dickey of Marshall, and his two sisters, Willie Ward of Beaumont and Ruby Graves of Karnack, Tommy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jane Dickey, a daughter Dr. Sherry Elizabeth Dickey of Austin, a daughter and son in law Karen Jane and John Harton of Longview, and two grandchildren, Jeb Fowler of Austin and Brandy Fowler of Chicago.
Arrangements have been made through Rader Funeral Home. Private graveside services for the family have been set for Friday November 22 with a memorial service following at 10:30 AM Friday, November 22, 2002 in the Chapel of the Rader Funeral Home with Reverend Phil Jones and Reverend Jim Lewis officiating.
The family asks that memorial donations be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund.
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