William George Dickie May 13, 1929 – March 31, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook| View Guestbook Entries| Memorial Donation William George Dickie, age 89, of Greenwood, Virginia, died peacefully at home on Sunday, March 31, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Broxburn, West Lothian, Scotland, on May 13, 1929, Bill was the child of William and Jean Bishop Alexander Dickie, who preceded him in death in addition to his older brother Ian Gordon. He graduated from George Heriot’s School, Edinburgh, Scotland, and left for sea shortly thereafter.
He joined the British Merchant Navy at the age of 16 and rose through the ranks. He traveled all around the world and visited numerous cities in 6 of the 7 continents. His life changed forever when he met Doreen May Murray at a dance in Aberdeen; dancing was something they both loved to do.
They married on April 12, 1957, and over the years welcomed four children into the world and worked hard to raise them on their farm in Auchnagatt, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In 1971, they made the decision to emigrate from Scotland to the United States to provide greater opportunities and a more stable background for their children. This decision brought them to Alderson, West Virginia, where they managed a large cattle and sheep farm.
After West Virginia, the family moved to a farm in Albemarle County near Charlottesville, Virginia, in 1973. Bill and his family established friendships that lasted a lifetime. He lived and loved Albemarle County the rest of his life as its beauty reminded him so much of the rolling hills of Scotland.
After 22 years in the US, Bill and his family were naturalized as US citizens at Monticello on July 4, 1993. A lifelong passion for farming and being outdoors with his dogs, Bill was known for his love of the land, nature, animals and agriculture. He lived a full life and was devoted to his family and friends.
Bill’s engaging smile, outgoing personality, and great sense of humor made the world a better place to live. Following his retirement, Bill continued being a steward of the land. He enjoyed hosting Burns Suppers, hayrides and Halloween parties, and always made every special occasion more memorable.
He was a beloved member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, in Greenwood, Virginia. Preceded in death by his parents, brother, and his loving wife of almost 59 years, Doreen May Dickie; Bill leaves behind daughters Alison Dickie and Lesley Dickie; son Bill Dickie and his wife Melissa, and grandchildren Porter, Anne, and Murray; son Alan Dickie and his wife Janet and step-grandson Rich Anderson and his wife Adele and step great-grandsons Zachary and Elliott; godchildren Kate and Andrew Atwood, and Willie Moore. A special thank you to Hospice of the Piedmont and to his personal caregivers Debora and Beth.
A Celebration of Life event will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Greenwood. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bill’s memory to Hospice of the Piedmont, www. hopva.org or Alzheimer’s Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, www.
alz.org/cwva or Kate’s Club, www. katesclub.org.
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