Kenneth Tyrone "K. D." Dickerson

Obituary For Kenneth Tyrone "K. D." Dickerson

A celebration of life for Mr. Kenneth Tyrone "K. D." Dickerson, 66, will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Rocky Mount Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Dickerson will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at the funeral home.

Kenneth Tyrone “K. D.” Dickerson was born on Tuesday, December 30, 1952 in Talladega, Alabama to Mary Virginia Dickerson and Willie Bowman.

Mr. Dickerson was a longtime member of Rocky Mount Missionary Baptist Church. He was educated in Talladega and was a proud member of Westside High School class of 1971. He would continue with his education by attending Alabama Fire College and the National Fire Academy. Often times being sent away from the fire house at early age, as a child K.D, as he was affectionately known by many, was even more determined that he would one day become a firefighter. His disposition encompassed dignity, great character, strength and an exemplary work ethic. K.D. worked at Bemis Bag Company and simultaneously worked diligently to become a firefighter. In 1979, he accomplished the goal of joining the Talladega Fire Department. He would climb the ranks of the fire department defying all odds and on January 26, 1998, K.D. was sworn in as Talladega’s first African American fire chief. Becoming fire chief was not an easy feat for K.D., but his experience, tenacity and resilience would prove that he was a champion. K.D. was not only the first African American fire chief in Talladega, but he was also the first full-time African American department head for Talladega County. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters. In 2006, after 27 years as a public servant, K.D. would retire from the City of Talladega. As a man that was determined to make a difference, K.D. spent countless hours coaching little league baseball and worked to make a difference in his community (Knoxville) and the lives of those needing guidance. K.D. was not only a father to his children but served as a role model for many during his life. He was an avid gardener and would freely give away his vegetables to those in the community. Indeed, K.D. made a profound impact on the city of Talladega.

He departed this earthly life on December 26, 2019 at Citizens Baptist Medical Center in Talladega, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Virginia Dickerson and Willie Bowman; and three siblings, Jeffrey Dickerson, Bernita Dickerson and Laresa Dickerson.

Beautiful and cherished memories will linger in the lives of his loving children, Patrice (Edward) Coleman of Nashville, TN and Kenneth Dickerson of Talladega, AL; devoted companion, Netherland Cass of Talladega, AL; four grandchildren, Patrick (Paige) Dickerson, Jayla Herring, Kaleb Davis and Aiden Dickerson; five great grandchildren, Paxton Dickerson, Payton Dickerson, Pierce Dickerson, Khalil Dickerson and Kennadi Thomas; sisters, Edith M. Beck, Deborah Dickerson and Melody Dickerson all of Talladega, AL, Teresa Swain of Nashville, TN and Shirley Cannon of Birmingham, AL; brothers, Stanley (Cynthia) Dickerson of Talladega, AL, Maurice Dickerson of Marion, North Carolina and Mark Dickerson of Clarksville, TN; one aunt, Fannie Dickerson of Talladega, Al; extended children, Kenton (Pam) Cass of Pensacola, FL, Demetrius (Susan) Cass of Alpharetta, GA and Lashandra (Imari) Mackey of Birmingham, AL; a lifelong best friend, Howard Shelton of Birmingham, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

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