Don Dickerson

Donald "Don" Gerard Dickerson, age 72 of Cookeville, passed away at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on Tuesday October 13, 2015. His wish was for cremation has been honored. A service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. Don was born February 19, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA. He attended parochial schools and graduated from Bishop Eustace High School in Pennsauken, NJ in 1961. That same year he enrolled in Tennessee Polytechnic Institute (TTU) after being awarded an athletic scholarship and played on the Golden Eagles Basketball team. Don graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1965. He pursued post graduate study at Vanderbilt Law School and was awarded a J.D. degree in 1968. Returning to Cookeville, Don began his legal practice which spanned forty-three years until his retirement in 2011. He was a member of the Tennessee Bar Association and the Trial Lawyers Association. Don was a man of diverse interests. He had a love of the outdoors and was an avid hunter. Don and his bird dogs covered many states and miles of terrain engaging in the activity. He enjoyed skeet and trap shooting, a sport at which he was quite adept, winning first place at the Grand National Tournament. Golfing was also a lifelong hobby of his. In addition to this he loved music, with Frank Sinatra being his all-time favorite performer. Don also enjoyed theater productions and he was a charter season holder at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. He continued to hold season tickets throughout his life. Don's love of Southwest Native American art spanned a quarter century and he looked forward to attending the Santa Fe Indian Market every year. His knowledge of this art was extensive, including pottery and Kachina dolls. Over the years Don developed a close bond with many of the artisans. Don served on the Board of Directors of the Bank of Putnam County. This was a position which he immensely enjoyed and one in which he was able to utilize his legal background and knowledge. He also served on the board of the Fairfield Glade Sportsman Club in Crossville. Don is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mildred Colona Dickerson. He is survived by two brothers, Richard (Diane) Dickerson of Carson City, NV and Gary Dickerson of Englewood, FL; nephew, Dru (Julie) Dickerson and niece Leigh Dickerson, great nephews, Dane and Sean and great niece, Josie. He is also survived by his companion, Bettye Vaden and his dogs, Gillie, Marta, and Turk. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931) 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.