Robert Ezra "Buck" Dickinson

After leading a full and active life of 95 years “Buck” Dickinson passed away peacefully at Mary Washington Hospital on Friday April 30, 2021 after suffering a stroke.

Buck was born at the family homeplace in Spotsylvania County on January 1, 1926 and resided in Spotsylvania County all his life. One of the last of the greatest generation he was drafted into the Army’s 99th Infantry Division in World War II and served his country from 1944 until 1946 in Germany, France, and Austria.

After the war he returned home met and married his beloved wife Nell Kennedy Dickinson. Buck started in the sawmill business in 1948 and ran it for 37 years. In 1959 Buck and his brother Earl started Dickinson Brothers Lumber Co. in Spotsylvania and sold it in 1994. Once “retired” he continued his farming operation with cattle, hay, and crops. You could find him on his tractor most any day caring for his cattle, in the hayfield, in his garden, hunting rabbits, deer or spring turkey or eating his favorite treat, chocolate candy. Buck had a very strong work ethic and whenever you were working with or for him, he expected no less from you. Buck had a big garden each year and loved to give his vegetables to those in need in the community. He took great pride and effort in that endeavor.

As a lifetime member of Good Hope Baptist Church, he was a member of the choir, deacon, and trustee of the Church. He was also a 60-year member of Partlow Ruritan Club and 50-year member of Spotsylvania Post 320 American Legion which just honored him in April of this year.

He is survived by his son, Kenneth (Ann) of Richmond; daughters Sue Ellen Ponschke (Paul) of Fredericksburg, Leigh Ann Dickinson (Paul Miller) of Virginia Beach; his grandchildren, Abby Moncrief (Kevin), Rob Dickinson (Morgan) of Richmond, Sarah Baker (Austin) of Raleigh, NC and Haley Miller of Virginia Beach. He was also fortunate to have four great-grandsons, Bryant, Winston and Hilton Moncrief, and Holt Baker. He is survived by his brother, Roger Dickinson of Richmond; and his sister Lorine Brown (Billy) of Spotsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. Buck was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Nell; his parents; and brother Earl.

Buck was able to remain in his home until the end thanks to his devoted and loving caregivers and his very special niece, Wendy Brown Marrs and her husband, Frankie.  The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to his loving, dedicated and patient caregivers, Mary Ball, Sue Mattocks, Wendy and Frankie, Rose Fortune, Jamie Lowe, and John Shaw. A very special thanks to  lifelong friend, Billy Edenton, who worked with and transported Buck to most all of his appointments.  Also special thanks to Dr. Chuck Penick for being there at times of need and all the Gentry’s who were such a help to Buck over the years.

The family will greet guests for visitation from 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 8 at Good Hope Baptist Cemetery 5601 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, Virginia 22551. A family graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Good Hope Baptist Church, Partlow Ruritan Club, 3229 Partlow Road, Partlow, VA. 22534, or Spotsylvania American Legion Post 320, 9109 American Legion Drive, Spotsylvania, VA 22553.

“Well done my good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21