WILMINGTON — Donald Cleveland “DC” Dickens, Jr., 83 of Wilmington, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 26,2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.
DC was born on the Parker Farm off 13 Bridges Road in Enfield, NC on December 17, 1940, to Don and Carlyle Dickens. In addition to his parents, DC is proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Cleveland and Helen Dickens, maternal grandparents Will and Ida West, sister Jeanean Dickens Atkinson and husband Don, son-in-law Nathan Mendenhall and Mary’s sweetheart, Jack Dermid.
DC is survived by his daughter Shanna West Dickens and her dog Nyla, his niece Marty Atkinson Hein (Art) and family, his nephew Donnie (Judy) Atkinson and family, his wife Margaret Lyons Dickens, his mother-in-law Mary K. Lyons, father-in-law Bob Lyons, brother- in-law Tommy Lyons (Cathy), sister -in-law Susan Lyons, nephew Brantley Lyons, Jack’s daughter Susan Dermid, Shanna’s mother Sarah Neuwirth, and many devoted cousins and friends.
DC would tell you that he grew up in the best of times in a small community that supported their young people. He was blessed to live with his maternal grandparents, parents and sister at the West Farm on The Loop Road and visit often with his paternal grandparents nearby. He was saved at Dawson’s Grove Free Will Baptist Church at Moonlight. DC treasured spending time with family. He began problem solving life’s lessons living on a working farm and working in his dad’s grocery store. DC learned about love and kindness for all people from his dad and perseverance and homemade cooking from his mother. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, animals and fast cars. His first science lab was a ditch behind the school.
As an avid athlete he played all sports in school. After being selected as an all-conference football player, he earned scholarships to play football at Fork Union Military Academy and East Carolina College. DC did his practice teaching at Cherry Point Marine Base. After graduation, he began serving the students of New Hanover County, in January 1965, at New Hanover High School. After five years, he transferred to John T. Hoggard High School to start the wrestling program. He also coached football and tennis. He taught science courses, including Biology, PE classes, Drivers Education, and Night School. He wrote the course for Wildlife in North America to offer students a motivational science elective. He engaged students using outdoor classrooms by helping students create and explore the wildlife trail behind Hoggard and navigate The Black River in canoes. The student artwork on the walls and variety of live animals; snakes, tarantulas, lizards, rats, turtles etc. in classroom #120 was clearly a reflection of DC’s unique teaching style, coupled with his ability to communicate in a humorous and intriguing manner. He invited a variety of guest speakers to enhance student learning and engagement. Students knew DC cared about them as a person. He enjoyed the sports, physical activity and the subject matter, but mostly DC found purpose and fulfillment in helping students to be their best. DC worked a variety of second jobs including managing The Upper Deck and working as a deck hand on a tugboat.
DC and Sarah’s marriage was blessed with their daughter Shanna. Shanna has been DC’s greatest joy. He genuinely loved being her dad. He enjoyed spending any time they had together telling stories, investigating wildlife, lounging with the dogs, taking jeep rides, working in tandem as Peer Connectors her sophomore year, listening to her read her original poems and papers to him just to mention a few moments.
After retirement DC continued teaching and building relationships in a different way with neighbors he spoke with while washing the truck in the driveway as they walked home after school ended. When he encountered a nervous clerk on her first day on the job, he helped build her confidence, smile and laugh, before leaving. Former students stayed connected sharing stories and memories. He called his family and friends as years went by to say I love you and catchup. He would say, “Hold fast to that which is good”, from 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
DC and Margaret shared an uncommon love in their marriage of 34 years, as soulmates based on a shared foundation that they witnessed from their grandparents. They were devoted to one another and their family. They enjoyed being together every day.
DC will be remembered for his infectious smile and laugh, unique teaching style, bold personality, unconditional love for all people, love of fast cars and big dogs, American patriotism, sense of humor, ability to tell a story, colorful character, and gentle spirit and huge heart.
DC found joy and purpose in leaving others better than he found them. He was not defined by his circumstance, but rather chose to live life to the fullest with a positive attitude and a generous heart. DC will be missed by the lives he touched and by the lives who touched him. We hope that you will hold onto precious memories and move forward with love and hope in your heart for others.
A special thank you to our family, friends, neighbors and community resources for prayers, love and support.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path smooth. Do not consider yourself wise. Fear the Lord and turn away from evil. Then your body will be healed, and your bones will have nourishment.” Proverbs 3:5-8
A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Masonboro Baptist Church with Reverend Wes Hunter officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the service begins. Livestream the service here.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Masonboro Baptist Church, Reverend Wes Hunter, Pathway to Victory, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Turning Point, Dr. David Jeremiah or In Touch Ministries, Dr. Charles Stanley.
