| Date of Birth | November 4, 1945 |
| Date Deceased | September 11, 2021 |
| Hometown | Hornell |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | September 18, 2021 |
| Service Time | 3 p.m. |
| Service Location | Hornell First Baptist Church |
Robert R. Dickey
HORNELL – Everyone who knew Bob Dickey knows that he had a great beard. Underneath that beard was a contagious smile and gentle eyes. He was kind, generous and his family and friends never questioned his love for them.
After a sudden and brief illness, Bob went to his heavenly home at the age of 75 on September 11, 2021. In his last hours his wife Carol and daughters Karen and Heather were by his bedside singing him into heaven. In the same way he lived his life, Bob went peacefully to his new home. Like everything else that he did in life, his faith in God was persistent and strong. He had a lifetime faith and publicly demonstrated his love for Christ by being baptized at the age of 68 by Pastor Cedric Cooper at Hornell First Baptist Church.
Not only was Bob dedicated to his family, he also had a heart for volunteering. He dedicated his time to Faith in Action of Steuben County, Habitat for Humanity RV Caravaners, Meals on Wheels, maintaining the Finger Lakes Trail, and several volunteer activities at First Baptist Church of Hornell.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol and daughters Karen (Chris) Lyons, and Heather (Eric) Bischof and grandchildren Josh (Paige) Lyons, Alexis Lyons, and Trae Bischof and great grandchildren Lincoln and Eli Lyons. Bob was also a loving father figure to nieces Kathie (Dickie) Stephens, Cheri (Geoff) Odell, Janice (Kelley) Louthan green, and nephews Chris (Michelle) Green and Jeff (Ann) Green. He had a great impact on a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins and friends.
You would often hear from Bob and Carol of how blessed they were. After his retirement from Hornell City School District, they spent many years traveling to see their kids and grandkids, visiting them in Italy, Alaska, California, Michigan, Maine, Tennessee and Virginia. They took their “summer friends” (the grandkids) Josh, Lexi, and Trae on many adventures as they were growing up. They swam in lakes and oceans, tubed down rivers, hiked through the woods, and even rode a horse-drawn wagon train for a week through the North Dakota Prairie. Bob was also an avid Bills fan – in fact Carol and Chris often said “he thinks he’s on the team”. Bob now has the best seat in the house.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Roy and Jeanette Helmer Dickey, sister Patricia Dickey Green, and brother Ronald Dickey.
Services for Robert Royce Dickey will be held at Hornell First Baptist Church on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Calling hours from 1pm – 3pm and the funeral service will begin at 3pm. Face masks will be provided for those who would like to wear them. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Hornell 28 Church Street, Hornell NY 14843.
The Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Bob’s family with the arrangements.
Bob was probably the most patient man I’ve ever known. All the years putting up with Ron and the Sutfin boys would push anyone to the brink. Not Bob, he was such a great mentor. A big brother to all of us. My wife and I are together now, because Bob drove us with some friends on our first date. Many canoe and hiking trips give me memories to last a lifetime. I loved Bob like a brother, what more can I say. Goodbye friend.
Bonnie K. Ritter- Makitra
Bob, was a beautiful human being, I had the honor and privilege of working with him, and knowing him from church. Bob, you are with your Lord and Savior now, and the rest of us are working for that honor, so we can join you someday. Carol , Karen,Heather and families you are in my prayers and thoughts.
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The first thing that came out of my mouth when I learned of Bob’s passing was, “He was the purist human I have ever known.” I stand by that.
I have only seen him a handful of times in the last 40 years but every time he was the same open, affirming, gentle giant. One of my favorite memories is Bob on the floor with my two young boys back in the 70s while they crawled all over him, them pummeling him and him feigning defeat.
I was his Pastor when we were both young men and my favorite phrase from him would come when he felt a sermon had been aimed at him (they never were but he was always honest about his weaknesses, to a fault), “My toes hurt, could you stop stepping on them.”
Thank you God for sharing this wonderful soul with us. He is, was and will always be an immeasurable treasure for all who had the pleasure to walk on this earth by his side.
I feel privileged to have spent some time recently with Uncle Bob; he and Carol attended my Mom’s memorial service a couple weeks ago and then I joined them for dinner at their home a day later. Just a very nice man and I will miss him greatly on my visits “home.” RIP, Uncle Bob.
A more photogenic person you will never meet, whether it is trailside or in the chow line. The memories of “Back Tracker” hiking on the finger lakes trail will always be remembered and cherished.
See you on the other side.
So sorry for the family’s loss of Bob.
I knew Bob from hiking with him on the Finger Lakes Trail.
I was at the celebration for him when he finished his end-to-end of the trail.
Nothing but great memories that continue to make me smile.
RIP my friend.
Bob was such a wonderful man and I just know his spirit and presence will remain in this world for a long time. He was kind, gentle, and a wonderfully positive soul. We are praying for your hearts to be at peace and love you all so much.
I was blessed to have known Bob.I truly enjoyed working with him at the Hornell school district.My condolences to his
family in your time of loss,May God comfort you all.