Frank Dickson was born August 8, 1945, to the late Frank Bishop and Oderia Dickson McCrainey in Monroe, La. Frank received his formal education from Monroe City School District. He was a graduate of Carroll High School where he was captain of the football team.
Frank joined the US Air Force in the late 60’s, during the very middle of the Vietnam War. Frank served his duty at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. During that time, he met Annie Lois Dickens, also a Louisiana native. On February 21, 1968, they married and later that same year the happy couple moved to Garland, Texas. From their union two daughters, Tiffianey Dickson and Tara Dickson, were born.
Frank was a faithful family man, quietly supporting his wife and community by being an excellent provider; a law-abiding citizen and honorable father figure to many. He was employed at GTE/Verizon for 32 years and retired from the company as a Central Office Equipment Installation Technician. Frank was engaged in his community, not in a boisterous way but quietly, consistently, and honorably. Several times he and Annie served together on the City of Garland Police Department interviewing future police officers.
Frank was also a supporter of the Garland NAACP. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family and regularly participating in an ethnically diverse men’s breakfast club. During COVID 19, the group continued to meet on Zoom twice monthly. Frank was a diehard San Fransico 49er fan and often enjoyed watching a good, old school western TV show or movie. Frank always cared for others and was willing to lend a hand. His life was one lived as a God fearing, loving and devoted man to all, no matter what type of relationship you enjoyed with him: husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor, or friend.
Frank is proceeded in death by his mother Oderia Dickson McCrainey, father Frank Bishop, step-mother Magnolia Bishop, stepfather Alonzo McCrainey, brother Isaiah Bishop, sisters Cloteal Williams, Vivian Clemons, Margaret Chatman, Rhonda McCrainey and Patricia Bishop.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Annie, daughters Tiffianey and Tara, three granddaughters, Ciara Francis (Michael), Zaria Dickson, and Tre’Anna Dickson, four great granddaughters, Piper Francis, Callie Francis, Robin Francis and Nani Smiley. He also leaves six brothers, Oscar McCrainey (Jean), Alvin McCrainey Sr, Pastor Tharris Bishop, Earl Shields, Lee Bunn Higgins (Rhonda), and Gary Bishop (Lola), three sisters, Lavern Jackson, Dianne Bell (Pastor Willie), Sherilyn Benjamin (Pastor Greg) and multiple generations of nieces and nephews, three goddaughters, Gina Balthazar, Yolanda Pace and Felicia Conner.
From Wife Annie and Family:
To my village and you know who you are, members of Kaiser Street, brothers-in-law, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbors, the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) family, Heart to Heart Hospice, NAACP family, a host of clergymen and to our host of friends: I love everyone so much. So many of you traveled this journey with Frank and our family, standing by us when we needed encouragement. We have so much love and appreciation for all of you.
Conclusion:
The poem below provides a glimpse into Frank’s personality: quiet in most settings, practical, and loving. It is a reminder of the scripture I Thessalonians 4: 11-13
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
LET ME GO
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all part of the master plan
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know.
Laugh at all the things we used to do
Miss me, but let me go.