Lonnie Al "Goose" Dickerson

On March 12, 1963, the Lord blessed John L. Sr., and Betty Lou Matlock Dickerson with the birth of another child they named Lonnie Al Dickerson. Lonnie accepted Christ at a tender age and attended both Sparkman and Carthage High Schools. He was a member of Ronoake Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas and was a former employee of Wilson Concrete Products in Hot Springs. “Goose“, as he was affectionately called was well known and a beloved fixture in his neighborhood and surrounding communities. He was always willing to help others. “Goose” towered over most people and was often looked upon as the gentle giant would “look-out” for those less able to help themselves. He often took on the role of a one man welcome wagon. He had a broad smile, pleasant demeanor and never met a stranger. “Goose” was a rare and colorful character, a true- one of a kind person who’s passing will long be felt but, whose memory will forever be remembered. On Friday, May 23, 2008, after 45 seasons, “Goose” passed from time into eternity. He was welcomed home by his parents and his brother Michael. He leaves in God‘s care: His beloved wife of 12 years, Maxine N. Dickerson of Hot Springs, AR, his daughter Mara Dickerson of Arkadelphia, AR, mother-in-law Helen Nunsuch of Jasper, TX; three sisters, Betty Matlock, Johnnie Mae & her husband James Cheatham all of Hot Springs, AR, and Fannie Taylor of Houston, TX; four brothers, John Arthur Dickerson, Sam & his wife Joyce Matlock all of Memphis, TN, Rev. John L. Jr., & his wife Desi of Tulsa, OK, and James & his wife Myra Dickerson of Humble, TX; one special nephew Demico Dickerson of Hot Springs, AR; other nieces and a nephew. He also leaves his aunts; Bobbie Dailey of Princeton, AR, Emma Jean Perry of Milwaukee, WI, Betty Jo Owens of Carthage, AR, JoAnn Matlock of Memphis, TN, Carolyn Johnson of Hot Springs, AR, Cora Mae Adams of Sparkman, AR, and Lizzie Moore of Memphis TN; his uncles, L.T. Dickerson of Memphis, TN, James Walter Dickerson of Memphis, TN, Eddie Lee Matlock of Little Rock, AR, Floyd Matlock of Milwaukee, WI, Eddie Herman Matlock of Memphis, TN, and Larry Matlock of Sparkman, AR. Also, three brother-in-laws, Mack Nunsuch, Jr., of Hayward, CA, Troy Nunsuch of Phoenix, AZ, and Link Nunsuch of Gardener, KS; a caravan of cousins, numerous friends, and the Ronoake Baptist Church family. “Goose” will lie in state at the funeral home on Friday, May 30, 2008, from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. The family will greet and share with friends the Images of Life DVD from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Final tributes and the last farewell to the life of Lonnie Al “Goose” Dickerson will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Greater St. Paul Baptist Church, 497 Crescent Ave., Hot Springs, AR. Rev. Tommie L. Howard the pastor will officiate and preach a message of hope. The family will gather in love at the home of his sister Betty Matlock - 315 Pinewoods Street, Hot Springs, Arkansas. The committal service and final resting place will be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sparkman, Arkansas. The bearers of the casket will be James Dickerson, John Dickerson, Jr., John Arthur Dickerson, Sam Matlock, Lamont Matlock, Philip Gray and Robert Wilson. The honorary bearers of the casket will be Eddie Lee Matlock, Ellis Matlock, Richard Matlock, Floyd Matlock, James Cheatham and Demico Dickerson.