Tommy O. Dickinson Jr.

Mr. Thomas O. Dickinson, Jr., of Heber Springs, Arkansas, formerly of Newport, departed this life on Friday, May 6, 2016 at the age of 75. He was born January 14, 1941 in Newport, the son of Thomas and Marian Josephine (McNeese) Dickinson. Tommy married Reva Jo "Jody" (Edwards) on July 3, 1962 where they began a loving, faithful journey of 53 years. Tommy was a member of the Newport First Baptist Church and served as a Gideon for many years. His faith was strong, rooted in the Word of God and grown through countless hours of devoted study. He was courageous in his ministry, spreading the Good News through personal evangelism, classroom teaching, and public speaking. He was always willing to share his faith with people, and longed to bring others to the Lord. His wife Jody was his soul mate and best friend. Their marriage exemplifies faithfulness, endless love, and devotion. Through moments of love and laughter and even the storms of life, their love remains stronger than ever. Tommy and Jody supported and loved one another and passed this love on to their children and grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as a true family man. Tommy, known by students at "Mr. D", was an experienced educator of 33 years, serving the school district from the classroom to the crosswalk. His students will forever regard Mr. D as a leader, counselor, and friend. He was passionate about his students' future, spending countless hours assisting their enrollment in collegiate and technical programs and supporting them long after graduation. Following his tenure as an educator, he served for six years as an accomplished Arkansas State Representative. He worked with a servant's heart, spending tireless hours developing legislation focused on Christian and family values, education, and economic development. His service in the Legislature extended beyond the House Chamber, reaching those in need on a personal level. Tommy received many organization and industry awards for his service, including Families First Foundation, AARP, Arkansas College Students Association, the National Guard, and Jackson County. Some of his proudest achievements include the A+ Legislature Award for championing higher education in Arkansas, and the National Guard's prized Patrick Henry Award given to those in strong support of our Nation's military. Tommy was a true outdoorsman, enjoying quail hunting, fishing, and time on the water with his family and friends. During his younger years, he hunted the south Arkansas fields with his trusted bird dogs and enjoyed tending to his horse, Frisco. In addition to outdoor interests, he loved film photography and woodworking, most especially making toys for his grandchildren. Most of all Tommy loved spending time with Jody, his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas O. and Marian Josephine McNeese Dickinson and sister, Marian Sue Turner. He is survived by his wife, Jody Dickinson; his children, Tod Dickinson and wife, Hanna, of Newport, Major Tim Dickinson and wife, Whitney, of Cabot, and Marian Skelton and husband, Scott, of Heber Springs; seven grandchildren, Joie Dickinson, Connor Dickinson, Brantley Dickinson, Asher Dickinson, Marlee Dickinson, Ellie Jo Skelton, and Wyatt Skelton; one niece, Tommie Sue Marsh of Little Rock; and a lifetime of former students and friends, whose lives he forever touched. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, noon until 2 p.m. Funeral services will follow at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Dr. Rod Lochala, Anthony Gates, Donny Jackson, Randy Whitehead, Dr. Tom Carlyle, Bryan Wuerker, and Benny Reynolds. Arrangements: Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. To leave a condolence, or light a memorial candle, please visit www.jacksonsfh.com.