John Richard Pickens

John Richard (Dick) Pickens, 81, of Jonesboro, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021. He was born on December 20, 1939, to the late O.C. Pickens, Jr. and Catherine Blanton Pickens in Strawberry, Ark. Dick grew up in Jonesboro and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1958, where he excelled in basketball. He was a member of the 1956 State Champion Basketball Team and was named All-American in 1958. He continued his basketball career in college at Arkansas State University and finished at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, where he met the love of his life, Paula, his biggest supporter and cheerleader on and off the basketball court. After graduating in 1966, he began his 36-year career in El Dorado with Arkansas Power & Light, now known as Entergy. His career led him to several residences, including Blytheville, Kennett, and Walnut Ridge. Upon retirement, he and Paula moved back to his hometown of Jonesboro to be near his parents, children, and grandchildren. He and Paula loved tailgating and attending Razorback games with their many friends. Dick was a prankster, known for his infectious laugh and jokes. He never met a stranger and found the fun in every situation. He loved playing the game of golf. He was a proud grandfather, always cheering on his grandchildren in all of their sporting events. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jim, his nephew, Steve McDaniel, and brother-in-law Larry McDaniel. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Paula (Johnson) Pickens, one daughter: Karen (Mark) Jones, identical twin sons, Paul (Laura) Pickens, and John Pickens, all of Jonesboro. He is also survived by one sister, Cathy McDaniel, of Paragould; sister-in-law, Sue Pickens, of Little Rock; as well as many nieces and nephews. His legacy will continue with his seven grandchildren: Danny Salazar of Blytheville, Trent Jones of Naples, Fla., Matthew (Morgan) Jones, Spencer Jones, Caroline Pickens, John Paul Pickens, and Luke Pickens, all of Jonesboro. His grandchildren will also serve as their Bobbo's pallbearers. Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 14, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home, immediately followed by the funeral service, officiated by Chris Harrell. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Bernards Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice.