Thomas Larry "Sonny" Dickinson

Thomas Dickinson, formerly of Johns AL, Brookhaven, MS, and Ocean Springs, MS Mr. Dickinson was born in Bessemer, AL on March 14, 1938 to Thomas Ramon and Mary Evelyn Bain Dickinson. He married Ida Gail Glover Dickinson on February 12, 1960. He studied Engineering at the University of Alabama and also received a degree in pharmacy from Auburn University. He owned Sav on Drugs in Brookhaven, MS, was involved in the oil and gas industry, auto sales, electrical services, financial services and numerous other businesses and ventures. He was active in several pharmaceutical societies, original founder and served on the board of directors for Brookhaven Academy, and was very active in the schools and community. He was a kind, generous, helpful, and loving patriarch and friend to many. He did everything with great ease and little fanfare. There is no limit to the things he could do, and do exceedingly well. He was very creative as a gifted engineer, inventor, mechanic, electrician, repairman, and entrepreneur. He was a pilot, enjoyed playing music and sports, was an avid hunter and fisherman. He formerly served the state of Alabama as a rescue diver. In the early years of racing, he was an engine builder. He was an original member of NASCAR and is recognized for his contributions to the racing industry at the Alabama Auto Racing Pioneer Museum at Talledega. He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Ramon and Mary Evelyn Bain Dickinson. He is survived by his wife Gail Glover Dickinson; sisters Bettye Moore (Charlie) and Carole Stevens (Charles); children Rhonda Stringfellow (Thomas Dale), Cynthia Huesmann (Charles Frederick “Bubba”), and Thomas Larry Dickinson, Jr. (Laurie Yawn); grandchildren Charles Raymond Huesmann (Nichole), Thomas Alexander Stringfellow, Daniel Blaine Huesmann, Travis Bryant Stringfellow, Joseph Cole Dickinson, Victoria Gale Dickinson, and Thomas Luke Dickinson; great-grandchildren Lexie, Kyleigh, and McKenzie Huesmann, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. The family wishes to thank all of the friends who were and are a great part of their lives. They are also considered as family. Funeral services will be on Monday, December 29, 2014 at 2:00 PM at McCalla Memorial Funeral home with burial to follow in Adger Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on the day of the service.

Thomas Larry "Sonny" Dickinson

March 14, 1938 - December 20, 2014