William Terah Dickerson

William Terah Dickerson, known to us as Daddy, to many as Grandpa, and to countless others as Mr. Bill or Mr. D, passed away April 8, 2026, at his home in Pacolet after an extended illness. He wrote this obituary for himself: “Bill Dickerson died. Truck for sale.” But we have more to say. Born August 3, 1933, in White Plains, SC, he was the son of the late Ezra Lee and Ethel Clardy Dickerson and the devoted husband of the late Georgie Sue Julian Dickerson. He built a distinguished career in the textile industry with Milliken and Company. He was known for his ability to connect with people, thoughtfully resolve challenges, and leave things better than he found them. In 1990, he received the Roger Milliken Research and Customer Center Award for Excellence in Service. Our father was a man of deep faith, integrity, and quiet strength. He lived what he believed, choosing what was right over what was easy. Genuine, kind, and steady, he was known for his warmth, his humor, and a smile that stayed with you. He loved his family faithfully and always showed up for us and for so many others. He could fix anything, help anyone, and always had a joke to share. We have lost our hero. Our dad was a good and faithful servant, indeed. For decades, he volunteered at the Second Presbyterian soup kitchen - cooking, serving, planning, cleaning - whatever was needed, always with a smile and encouraging words. A faithful and cherished member of the Acts Sunday School class at Morningside Baptist Church, he lived out his faith quietly, more inclined to listen than to speak, and content to sit on the back row, where his steady presence and gentle encouragement spoke volumes. In retirement, he and our mother created a life on their Pacolet farm that reflected who they were - simple, generous, and full of life. The farm, with its animals, gardens, and open doors, became a gathering place for family and friends and a source of lasting memories. We are thankful for the many friends and neighbors who loved and supported him so well. He will be missed by many....mostly by us. He is survived by his five children and their families: Dan (Kathy) Dickerson, Scott (Samantha) Dickerson, Jeff (Jane) Dickerson, Susie (Andy) White, and Andy (Teresa) Dickerson; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Frankie Murphy. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sister Irene Rogers and brothers Ned and Lee Oddis Dickerson.

Services will be held at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel in Spartanburg, SC, on April 12, 2026, with visitation at 1:00 pm, followed by the service at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spartanburg Regional Foundation (Hospice or Heart Disease) or to a charity of one’s choice. Our family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care provided by Spartanburg Regional Hospice and his medical team.

With deep gratitude, we acknowledge the community of friends and neighbors who were such a steady presence in Daddy’s life and who meant so much to him, especially his dear friend Myron Patterson and his wife, Linda; his beloved neighbors Regina (Faye) Skates Lambert and Jesse Black, Henry Skates, Joyce Skates Horton, and the extended Skates family; Cathy White; and Terry and Carole Morris. Because of you, Mr. D lived longer and lived better.