Joseph "Joey" Wayne Dickens

Mr. Joseph “Joey” Wayne Dickens of Hollow Rock, TN left this world in joyful anticipation, to be with his Heavenly Father on July 25, 2023. He was born January 28, 1962, the son of the late Maurice “Pop Eye” Dickens of North Kingstown, RI and the late Nancy Jo (Wallace) Dickens of Austell, GA.

After graduating from North Kingstown Senior High School in Rhode Island, he served his country honorably in the United States Army for four years, attaining the rank of Specialist. After leaving the army he made his home in Lithia Springs, GA under the care and guidance of his late grandparents, Marion “Mack” and Beatrice Stanley. Joey was a hard worker and had various jobs in Georgia that he was fiercely proud of. Those who knew him well would often hear his many adventures as an auto mechanic, home and business restoration and convenience store clerk.

After the passing of his grandparents and early retirement due to health issues he came to live with his sister, Linda Fabiny and her husband, Joseph in Hollow Rock, TN. He was eventually able to buy a little house next door to them, where he lived independently under the care of Linda and Joe and his nephew, Brian Whitehead.

He was a deeply spiritual man with a strong Christian faith. He was that rare individual who loved everybody, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation or station in life. In his final years he became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Huntingdon, TN and was currently serving as an ordained deacon. He was deeply devoted to serving as a volunteer of the FPC’s Shepherd’s Table, a ministry which provides a free meal to the local community once a month. His final days were spent in the Cardiac Surgical ICU of Jackson General Hospital in Jackson, TN after suffering a major heart attack. He was told by his doctors that his heart was irreparably damaged and that his life was being maintained by heart pumps. He chose to have those pumps removed after he said his final goodbyes. After the initial shock, he not only accepted that his life was over, but he was filled with joy and eager anticipation of his new life to come. His unwavering faith, cheerful good humor and his care and concern for those he was leaving behind was incredibly beautiful and inspiring to so many that he was in contact with in those last few days.

One of Joey’s last wishes was to acknowledge the men and women whom he regarded as, not only dear friends, but mentors in his faith walk.  Brother Steve Davis and Deacon Charles Cooper of Faith Baptist Church in Hollow Rock, TN. The now retired Reverend Arthur Lodge and his wife Mary of Paris, TN. Elder Trudy Radford, and Deacons David Ray Carter and Virginia Parrish of First Presbyterian Church in Huntingdon, TN.

Joey was predeceased by his lifelong friend Joseph Reingart of North Kingstown, RI. He is survived by his sisters Linda Fabiny and her husband Joseph of TN and her children Michael, Andrew and Brian Whitehead; Sharon Garrity of RI, and her children, Kassandra, Desiree, Kevin and Kyle; Annette Lebeau of TX, and her children Renee and Ernest; Patricia Gervasi of RI, and her children, Amanda and Jennifer Miller. He also leaves behind his half sister Kathi Rogers of Phoenix, AZ and his “adopted” sister Tina Gray of TN and her family, Amy Ives and Rose Gray.

Under the guidance of Dilday-Carter Funeral Home, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Huntingdon on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM lead by Brother Jimmy Furr and Brother Steve Davis. Visitation will be between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM in the church fellowship hall. Per Joey’s wishesa luncheon of pizza and ice cream, his two favorite foods, will be provided.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shepherd’s Table at the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 651 Huntingdon, TN 38344.

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