NORMAN EDWARD DICKEY was born Jan 24, in Gunter, Texas in a on his grandfather Reed’s land. His parents were James E Alla Jean Reed Dickey. He was raised in Gunter in a simple instilled and incorporated his love of God, life, family, . After working on the farm, milking the cow, hauling hay, cotton, Norman chose to go to college to be able to always his love of sports by becoming a coach.
successful athletic career at GHS, he graduated in 1958 and went to Cisco Jr. College on a football scholarship. After playing for 2 years, he transferred to and worked his way through Austin College and played football and baseball on scholarship there for 2 more years. He graduated from Austin College in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education. His first teaching job was in Mesquite High School, Mesquite, Texas. Howe ISD school board sought him out for head coach and athletic director in 1964 and so he started his 31-year stint at HHS. There he became the “winningest coach in HISD history” and was recently recognized at a community pep rally for that honor.
During at he taught math, coached, and served as interim superintendent, was Director of Special Services, and retired as Assistant Superintendent. The first Howe athletic field house was his tenure and he loved caring for and improving the field.
In 1965, Norman married Joanne Berglund Dickey whom he met at Austin College. They’ve been 55 years. Their children are , Gary Don Dickey (Retired US Army Lt. Col.) and Lisa Joy Dickey Newton. He is survived by wife, Joanne of Howe, son Gary Don Dickey (Susie) of Killeen, Texas; daughter, Joy Dickey Newton (Mike) of Diana, Texas; Grandchildren: Michael Dickey of San Antonio, Texas, Kaydee Dickey of Killeen, Texas, Jess Newton, Joelle Newton, Jaymin Newton of Diana, Texas; sisters Ladonna Lue Dickey Sparks of Italy, Texas, Calla Dickey Robinson (Gary) of Denison, sister-in-law Libby Dickey of Gunter; Derenda Dickey, mother of Michael and Kaydee; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Bill Worthley of Arkansas; many cousins and nieces and nephews and cherished friends. He was predeceased and joins in heaven his parents and and fellow athlete Don Dickey, grandparents Lee and Laura James Epp and Lillie Dickey.
Norman’s simple pleasures in life included enjoying a good meal, watching sports both live as well as on tv, visiting with friends and family, playing dominoes, playing outlaw volleyball, church basketball, fast pitch softball, working outside, staying busy, and his favorite, being with or even just calling the 5 grandkids of whom he was so proud. in life is to be admired as his life brought glory to God. Because he was a Christian, he often referred to “The Good Lord’s plan”. That faith and the resulting strength and peace will be missed.
be Wednesday, April 10, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00. p.m. at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne, Texas. Memorial service will be Thursday, April 11, at 2:00 at First Baptist Church. Burial will Gunter Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, may be made to First Baptist Church Howe, PO Box 247, Howe, Texas 75459.
Funeral services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne, Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX; 75495. 903-482-5225. You may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.