William "Bill" Dickinson

William “Bill” Dickinson, age 69 of Knoxville, TN, passed from complications of a prolonged illness on January 18, 2024 at Fort Sanders Hospital. Bill was born in Knoxville, TN on November 17, 1954 to Carol Mclntosh Dickinson and Jack Ross Dickinson Sr. He spent most of his school years being raised in Kingsport Tennessee. He survived a near death experience when he was hit by a car as a preschooler. He had an amazing recovery. He took up drums to regain coordination of his hands and arms. He loved music and eventually ended up in the University of Tennessee marching band. He became the percussionist in a symphony orchestra. He helped Lamar Alexander campaign for governor by forming the "Alexander Washboard Band" and touring the state to help him get elected. He learned to play the electric keyboard too and formed several bands throughout the years. It was always fun to hear him jam and play "Mustang Sally", one of his favorite tunes. He had several jobs as an adult. His "gift of gab" made him a good car salesman. Looking for a more stable income, he started working for the State of Tennessee installing computer workstations. During that time, he married Cindy Dickinson and had a daughter, Aimee Dickinson. He was stepdad for Cindy's daughter Michelle. After a divorce, Bill ended up in Knoxville. In Knoxville, he became Security Manager for the Cochran Family McDonald's organization keeping the security systems working in McDonald's Restaurants all over East Tennessee. Bill has always been a loving family member; when his mother's health declined, Bill moved in and helped care for her for years. When McDonald's downsized, Bill worked for the Shriners as a telephone solicitor raising money for their children's hospital. Bill was a good man and will be missed by family and friends. Bill is survived by his daughter, Aimee Dickinson; his step-daughter, Michelle Joyner; his fiancée, Lisa Piquent; his sister, Diane Miller; his brother, Jack Dickinson; and his cousin, Litton (Tom) Cochran and many other cousins, nephews, friends and business associates. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating in memory of Bill to the Knoxville Ronald McDonald House (1705 Clinch Ave., Knoxville TN 37916, 865-637-7475; www.knoxrmhc.org, houseinfo@knoxrmhc.org). The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 25th from 5:00-7:00pm at Rose Funeral & Cremation – Mann 6200 Kingston Pike.

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William "Bill" Dickinson

November 17, 1954 - January 18, 2024