John Michael Dickson – Shuler Funeral Home

John Michael Dickson, 65, of Hendersonville passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2017.

Born in Hendersonville, John was the son of the late John Henry and Mary Frances Lyda Dickson. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Gail Caldwell.

John lived in Hendersonville most of his life. He graduated from East Henderson High School in 1970 and received his degree from Mars Hill College in 1974. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity.

John was band director in Charlton County, GA before coming to West Henderson High School where he directed their band for 23 years. He was a member of East Flat Rock First Baptist Church and served as choir director for 12 years.

He loved his family with all his heart. He also loved teaching and was so thankful to be a part of the lives of so many wonderful kids.

John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pamela Dickson; daughter, Keri Stepp and her husband, Fred; two grandchildren, Max and Makayla; many cousins and nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Chipper.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held from 2 – 4 PM Saturday, June 3 at Shuler Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Henderson High School Band, 3600 Haywood Road, Hendersonville, NC 28791 or to the Charlton County High School Band, 994 Indian Trail, Folkston, GA 31537.

Service

Saturday, June 3, 2017
2:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Shuler Funeral Home - Directions
125 Orr's Camp Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792
828-693-5220

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Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory

June 02, 2017

Amber Roberts Gray says:

I vividly remember being 10 years old and meeting Mr. D for the first time. It was his first teaching job fresh out of college. He made me feel so special and enthusastic about the possibility of learning to play an instrument. My life was changed forever that day. I have achieved many successes in life because of the determination , hard work and discipline I learned through music and him. I still flip out if I think I'm going to be late for something.
February 20, 2021

Sheila Rogers says:

I remember Mike well I was his sister Gail's best friend he used to terrorize us when I spent the night. I am surprised to just now see his passing. I was looking for info on Gail and saw this. If the family sees this can you respond with where Gail is buried Mike promised to let me know but never did. I would love to know how Cecilia is too.
September 12, 2017

Keith Secreast says:

Turtle I just learned of your passing. May God help your family with the pain. You were a great brother and a dear friend. You will be sorely missed. Brother Keith Secreast
June 13, 2017

Carmela Blackwell says:

Remembering a great man who taught me how to enjoy life and many great life lessons. So sorry for your loss.
June 10, 2017

Sharon King lit a candle:
June 08, 2017

Bob Davis says:

Turtle was my big brother when I pledged Phi MuAlpha. Never a dull moment when he was around. A hurtful loss of a good friend and great person.
June 04, 2017

Amanda Davis says:

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Dickson's family. I was in concert band with Mr. Dickson all four years of High School (graduated in 2004). Words can't even do justice as to how awesome of a teacher and mentor he was. He also had the best sense of humor and made me always look forward to coming to his class. One of my favorite memories of his sense of humor was when I got up in class one day to ask to go use the restroom. I played clarinet and sat on the front row - as I got up I somehow managed to trip and fall, knocking over stands and making a huge commotion in the process. Of course I was embarrassed, but he made a kind, witty joke and we had a huge laugh. He would tell the story later in an animated way and it became a funny joke. It takes a special person to be both inspiring and witty all at the same time. Godspeed, Mr. Dickson. <3
June 03, 2017

Mike Robinson says:

Pam and family - You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have so many fond memories of "Turtle" and times at Mars Hill. He was a great example and a man of character. He loved you, loved his band kids and loved to make people laugh. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.
June 03, 2017

Patti Hubbard says:

Mr Dickson was such a wonderful and giving man. He always was there to put smiles on everyone face and put laughter in their hearts. Heartfelt sympathy to the entire family.
June 03, 2017

Erika Bowen lit a candle:
June 03, 2017

Heather Hoffman lit a candle:
June 03, 2017

Lois and Greg Walker says:

Pam & Kerri, So so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy and will be missed. Know that we love you and are sending hugs and prayers your way!
June 03, 2017

Linda n capps says:

So sorry Pam may God put his arms around you during this time. Prayers for all your family.
June 02, 2017

Gail English Price says:

Turtle was always so much fun in college. Many fond memories with this guy and please know how much he was loved and he will be missed.
June 01, 2017

Jonathan Brogden lit a candle:
June 02, 2017

Melanie Bryan lit a candle:
June 02, 2017

Amber Phillips says:

Remembering many great times of laughter and adventure.
June 02, 2017

Amber Phillips says:

Thanks, Turtle, for many great memories. You kept us rolling in the isles!
June 02, 2017

Janet and Mike Gover says:

Our prayers are with you all. Mike was such a dear friend and a wonderful music director. My children loved being around him. It was a joy to have him direct our church music, he made you want to sing. He always had such great joy when he was leading music. You could really tell he loved what he was doing. Again, our prayers are with you. Janet, Mike, Briana and Lee Gover
June 02, 2017

Stephanie Fisher says:

So many great memories from Mr. Dickson's classes! My deepest sympathies go out to his family.
June 02, 2017

Pamela Ritchey lit a candle:
June 02, 2017

Betty Reed says:

Mike was a lively teenager when I taught him. He always had a following, and when they were together, he seemed to move with rhythm and so did his friends. I was so proud when I learned he had become an educator. My sincerest sympathy to his family.
June 02, 2017

Shirley Stewart Shipman says:

My sincere condolences to Mike's family and friends. It has been many years since we were youth together at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church, his Dad was our Pastor. Many fond memories of that time. So sad his time on earth was short but he looks to have left a wonderful legacy through all the lives he touched. He is rejoicing with Jesus .
June 02, 2017

Kathie B. WHittemore says:

Dearest Pam & Family, We were so sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He was instrumental in the lives of my two children, Scott and Courtney. In the West Henderson High School Band program, Mike instilled a JOY of music that still exists today. Scott has been an entertainer at Disney for over 10 years and Courtney has a Ballet dance ministry in her church...he touched so many lives. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you for the comfort and peace that only God can provide. In Deepest Sympathy, Kathie & Ron Whittemore
June 02, 2017

Patricia Praytor Mintz says:

I remember Michael as a child . His dad was our pastor at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Mills River . I clearly remember the first time he played his trumpet ( I believe it was trumpet ) for us . He was just starting his music career. Little did we know just how accomplished he would be ! My sympathy to his family at this sad occasion. May God grant you peace and comfort .
June 01, 2017

Tara swackhamer lit a candle:
June 01, 2017

Nancy Randall says:

My prayers to family. Was in elementary school with Mike.
June 01, 2017

Alton Connor says:

My heart goes out to Mike's family in this time of his Homegoing to be with the Lord. I have known Mike since we were just small children and it breaks my heart that another one in our age range has left us for now. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and I pray that God's grace will sustain each of you in these days ahead! With My Love and Deepest Sympathy ... Alton

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