Dickerson, Phillip Roger

First Sergeant Phillip Roger Dickerson, Army (Ret.), of Elliston, Va., went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 64 years old after running the race and fighting the good fight. He is preceded in death by father, Roscoe Dickerson; sister, Becky Bellows, of Blacksburg, Va.; and infant son, Patrick.

Roger was a graduate of Blacksburg High School (’64). Following high school he enlisted in the United States Army in 1965. During his military career he served two tours in Vietnam. He was a 101st Airborne Infantry “Screaming Eagle.” During “TOP’s” military career he was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal (2d award), Meritorious Service Medal (2d award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Purple Heart (2), Good Conduct Medal (8th award), Parachute Badge, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Bars (1), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3). “TOP’s” heart was always with his fellow infantry that he trained nationwide. Roger retired at the rank of First Sergeant after 27 years of service. He was a member of the Elliston VFW Post #4920. Following his military service Roger worked with the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier in Elliston, Va.

Roger is survived by his wife, Jenny Dickerson; mother and best-friend, Doris Dickerson; son and daughter-in-law, Byron and Melissa Dickerson, of Pilot, Va.; and son, Troy Dickerson, of Colonial Heights, Va.; stepdaughter, Tricia Jenkins; stepson, H. Preston Caldwell III; stepson and daughter, Joseph and Angela Caldwell, all of Christiansburg, Va.; brothers, Coty Dickerson Jr., of Appomattox, Va., and Sammy and Susan Dickerson, of Blacksburg, Va.; brother-in-law, John Bellows, of Blacksburg, Va.; granddaughter, Amanda Dickerson, of Pilot, Va.; grandchildren, Nathan Jenkins, Caedmon, Petra, and Liviya Caldwell, all of Christiansburg, Va.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be held at Dwelling Place Christian Fellowship in Christiansburg 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 17, 2010, with Pastor David Ansley, Pastor Ron Barnard, and Pastor Mitch Semones officiating. The viewing will start at 5 p.m. Interment is scheduled for 1 p.m. on November 18, 2010, at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations may also be made to the Shawsville-Elliston Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 14, Shawsville, Va. 24162 in his honor. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg, Va., 540-552-3211.