Kerry Eugene Dickinson

Kerry Eugene Dickinson, 55, was born in Long Beach, California on April 8, 1963. He was the son of Johnnie Faye Gafnea (Carraway) and Donald R. Dickinson. During his life he lived in California, Texas, Georgia, Rhode Island, Florida and finally Tennessee. Kerry was a proud veteran of the US Navy, having served in the Gulf War period. He served aboard the USS St Louis based in Japan. These were some of the best years of his life he would say. He is survived by his mother Faye, brother Tim Gafnea and wife Corey, sister Tammy Klinstiver and husband Jeff, sister Kellie Tackett and husband Steve, sister Missy Weaver and husband David, nieces Lacy, Ciera, Kate, Olivia and Ravyn, nephews Cody, Hiatt, Jesse, Tommy, Andrew and Adam. He also has six aunts and uncles and seventeen cousins who live throughout the U.S. Kerry loved to fish, read mysteries and biographies, make canes and crosses, cut the grass, do handyman repairs and enjoyed cooking. From an early age, music was important in his life. From gospel to the blues, he loved it all. He fancied himself a good bass singer and regretted not starting his own gospel quartet. His favorite performers were Stevie Ray Vaughan, Sean Costello, George Thorogood, Vince Gill and the Judds, and so many more. He loved going to concerts and wasnt afraid to be the only one on the dance floor - music moved him. Kerry was a football fan and followed and cheered on the L.A. / St. Louis Rams. He and his brother Tim lived for Sundays and rejoiced when the Rams scored or won a game. His numerous dogs and cats gave him tremendous joy. He loved all animals, especially birds. He will be missed by his family and remembered for his loving spirit, kindness and sense of humor. He could make you laugh and he laughed at himself. He would remind us to be positive in a some times cold world. He loved his family and he let them know it every time they spoke to him. He especially loved his mother who was always there for him. She was his sanctuary and they spent many years leaning on each other in good times and bad. Kerry was a spiritual man who loved his Jesus. He read and could quote the Bible and love the Psalms. He would never put anyone down for their religious beliefs, he loved all people. The family wishes to thank the VA of Knoxville and the personnel who worked with Kerry over the years. He told us many times I am so lucky to have the VA, they have been good to me. A memorial service will be 3:00 PM Thursday, May 31, 2018, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral home. The family will receive friends 2:30-3:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.