John Edward Dickenson age, 74 of Independence, Virginia passed away on Sunday March 17, 2024, at the Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. He was born on July 25, 1949, in Independence to Edward S. and Ella Marguerite Nuckolls Dickenson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one niece, Adrienne Rhudy. John often reflected on his childhood growing up on the Hidden Valley Farm in Independence.  He was a life-long member of the Independence First United Methodist Church.  Following his high school graduation, he honorably served in the United States Army in Vietnam.  He continued his education earning a B.S. Degree in Police Science.  He served the Virginia Beach Police Force as a police officer, canine and vice squad.  Following his retirement from the VA Beach Police Force, he returned home and opened Dickenson Insurance Company where he remained until he sold the business 2000.  John was actively involved in the local Lion's Club and Grayson County V.F.W.  Post #7726.  He loved his cars and was totally devoted to maintaining and keeping them showroom quality! He enjoyed hunting and the camaraderie with his friends at the deer hunting club.  John was a true hearted VA TECH Hokie Fan who loved football!  He had a passion for gardening and always enjoyed his time working in the garden. While he was involved in many activities, John's main focus was always on his family.  Not only did he coach his son's baseball team, but he was also actively involved in all aspects of his childrens' lives.  He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, dedicated grandfather and great grandfather as well as a contributing member of the town of Independence and Grayson County.

He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Winesett Dickenson of the home, daughter, Molly Ann Humphrey and Rick Johnson of Meadowview, VA; son, William E. and Hope Dickenson of Fries, VA; sister, Ann and Dan Rhudy of Christiansburg, VA; four grandsons, Dustin Cullop, Dakota Humphrey, David Dickenson, and Jonathan Dickenson; one great grandson, Tate Humphrey; special cousin, Raymond Thomas Avery III and wife, Brenda; niece, Julie Rhudy and nephew, David Rhudy.

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, VA with Pastor, Eli Carico and the Rev. Terri Gregory officiating.  The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:30 prior to the funeral at the church.  Burial will follow in the Lebanon Cemetery in Elk Creek, VA with military honors presented by the Grayson County V.F.W. Post # 7726 and the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Independence Rescue Squad PO Box 607  Independence, VA 24348 or to the First United Methodist Church C/O Barbara Ezell PO Box 219 Independence, VA 24348.