William Dickson

William Bevis Dickson, 93, of McIntosh passed away at his home on March 28, 2017 following a lengthy illness. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. William (Bill) was born April 19, 1923 in Lakeland, FL to John Milton and Louise Bevis Dickson. The family moved to Marianna, FL in 1925. His childhood was one of great adventures, exploring Florida caverns and fishing the Chipola River. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Navy. During World War II, he served as a Pharmacist Mate aboard the USS Harris APA-2, attack transport ship, she was the lead ship in her class. He bravely participated in nine major battles, including Guadal Canal, Tarawa, Kwajalein, Saipan and Okinawa, earning 7 stars in the Asiatic-Pacific and 2 stars in the Philippine Liberation.

In 1946, following his military service, Bill moved to McIntosh to attend the University of Florida. It was there he met the love of his life, Martha Collins Edwards. They were married 59 years until her passing in 2007. He retired from the State of Florida, Department of Business Regulations where he was a restaurant and hotel inspector.
Bill was a faithful deacon of the First Baptist Church of McIntosh where he also served as a Music leader, Sunday School Superintendent and various church committees. He served two terms as Mayor of the Town of McIntosh and was a former member of the Town Council. He was a founding member of the McIntosh Lions Club. Bill also served the community as a director of the Marion County Chapter of the Red Cross, Civil Defense Council member and Scout Master of the local Boy Scout troop. While his family takes great pride in his acts of heroism, patriotism and public service, it is his life long acts of faith, love, kindness and generosity they are proudest of.

He is survived by his loving daughter Diane Turner and her husband Vernon; his granddaughter Molly Knox and her husband Doug; his grandson Mac Turner; his great grandchildren Bailey Turner, Lilly Knox, and Cameron Turner; and devoted caregiver Betty Wetzel.

A graveside service will be held at the McIntosh Cemetery Saturday April 1, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  Memorial Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of McIntosh, PO Box 257, McIntosh, FL 32664 or Hospice of Marion County, PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860.