Bradley Nelson Dickerson

Bradley Nelson Dickerson, 78, of Kent, Ohio, passed away after a long illness on February 10, 2023. Brad was born in Sullivan, Indiana, on July 2, 1944, to parents, William and Evelyn Dickerson.

Above all, Brad was a hard-working man, who loved family. He dedicated his life to his wife of 54 years, Jo Ann (Mooney), his four children Susan (Steve) Mileski of Kent, Cindy (Manny) Garcia of Dallas, Mary Ann (Prem) Akkaraju of Los Angeles and Bill (Adrienne) Dickerson of Kent, as well as to his nine grandchildren: Jack, Steven, Rachel, Kourtney, Evelyn, Andre, Mia, Kieran, and Orion. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Diane (Gary) Roberts of Kent.

An extraordinarily proud Kentite of 74 years, Brad graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1962 where he lettered all four years in football. Brad's football career continued at The University of Akron where he was starting center from 1962-1966. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of The First United Methodist Church of Kent.

Brad was proud to be an American. He served his country in The U.S. Army as a captain in the Vietnam War from 1970-71.

Before retiring in 1999, Brad worked for McCourt Construction Company for 33 years. Never one to sit still, Brad opened a lawn care business in retirement that continued to allow him to do what he loved - work outdoors. Brad was also a wonderful carpenter remodeling his homes: laying floors, painting, building staircases and even a back porch.

The family would like to thank his community of lifelong friends, who supported Brad and Jo Ann from the time of his dementia diagnosis to his death. They would also like to thank the caregivers at Kent Ridge Senior Living and Traditions Health Hospice.

Lovingly known to his grandkids as "Mack,” Brad will often be remembered by what his kids coined "Mack-isms,” sage life advice, including: "You'll go broke waiting for the rain,” "Life's a vapor," and "I don't saddle up to come in second."

Fly high, Mack, we hope you are on a big farm in the sky with previously passed loved ones. You loved us, protected us, supported us, and made us laugh. We will think of you daily and love you forever. Your life mattered. You were a man amongst men.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00AM at United Methodist Church of Kent, 1435 E. Main St. Kent, OH. 44240, with Dr. David Palmer and the Rev. Douglas Denton officiating.  Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-11:00AM on Saturday at the church.

Services in care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.