Obituary: Willis C. Dick
FINAL: 05.13.24
Willis Charles Dick, 79, faithful follower of God’s plan and long-time resident of Collierville, Tennessee, joined his wife in their heavenly home on May 5, 2024. In their 55 years of marriage, Willis and Linda created a foundation of love and integrity that lives on through their family and many friends.
Willis was born and raised as a farm boy in Bryan, Ohio, by his parents, George Hamet Dick and Mildred Mae (Butler) Dick. As a child, Willis was rarely seen without his dog, Ring, by his side. As a teen, Willis was active in 4-H and raised many animals, including Brown Swiss cows. Throughout his entire life, Willis’ favorite place was outdoors.
These humble and faithful roots helped to form Willis into a steadfast, genuine, and gentle man of great character and high moral standard. His wife, Linda, often described him as her rock, saying that his solid support enabled her to soar.
Willis loved woodworking, tinkering, and movies, especially Westerns. He also enjoyed many “porch visits” with friends and family, and always made time to chat with neighbors or anyone else who had a few minutes to spare. Many will recall laughing at his eye-rolling one-liners or goofy teasing. With his white beard, engaging smile, and the twinkle in his eye when he laughed, he was often mistaken for Santa Claus.
Willis graduated from Bryan High School in 1963 before receiving a degree in mechanical engineering and specializing in industrial conveyor systems. He retired from Southern Systems International, LLC, in 2007.
Willis was a proud patriot and Vietnam veteran, having the received the National Defense Service Medal during his service in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. He was also a licensed ham radio operator and trained in Collierville’s Community Emergency Response Team.
Willis was exceptionally proud of his children, both of whom survive him: a daughter, Jennifer (Dick)Felsher of Spotsylvania, Virginia; a son, Christopher Dick, and his wife Carla (Thomas) of Walnut, Mississippi. His greatest joy was being “PawPaw” to Wheeler Allen; Peyton (Dick) and Austin Loftis; Elliot, Rhys, and Julianna Felsher; and being “GGpa” to Adelynn, Kaylee, and Cade Loftis and Ash Allen. Willis is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Kristene Ann (Dick) and James Witte of Effingham, Illinois, and their children; as well as brother in-law, Jeffrey Paul Thompson and Sharon (Potter) of Hernando, Mississippi; and numerous cousins residing across the country.
Mr. Dick was a long-time member of Collierville United Methodist Church (CUMC). Visitation with the family followed by a celebration of life service will begin at 11 am on May 17, at CUMC’s Sanctuary onthe Square. A graveside military service will be held immediately following, at 1 pm, at Magnolia Cemetery in Collierville. Donations in Mr. Dick’s memory can be made to Collierville Connected or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.