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Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Funeral: 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery
George Edward Dickinson, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away surrounded by his children on Friday afternoon, January 23, 2026, at Axiom Healthcare in Flora.
He was born April 17, 1940, in Decatur, the son of Willard Jessup and Ruby (Wakefield) Dickinson. He was united in marriage to Paula Parker on May 28, 1960, in Decatur, and they shared 64 years of marriage until her passing on August 19, 2024.
George moved to Flora from Decatur in September 1960 to establish a delivery route for Crane Potato Chips in the area, a route he drove for the next 45 years. After retiring in 2006, he continued serving the community by driving a school bus for the Flora School District and a CEFS bus.
Shortly after moving to Flora, George joined Boy Scout Troop 296. When Troop 296 was disbanded, he transferred to Troop 282. In 1969, he became an Assistant Scoutmaster, and by 1972, he was promoted to Scoutmaster. During this time, he founded Explorer Post 72, which provided hands-on training for specific careers. George was a registered Scout for 78 years and helped guide thousands of local boys through Scouting, including more than 50 who attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Over the years, he received numerous awards, including the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor a local council can bestow upon an adult volunteer. He was honored in 1983 when the Flora Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year in recognition of his commitment to the community. Through Scouting and ongoing support of a wide range of projects, George invested countless hours in area youth and helped make Clay County, and far beyond, a better place.
George and Paula attended Bethlehem Christian Church. He enjoyed family time and annual camping trips, and he was well known for tickling and teasing the grandkids and great-grandkids when they were little—memories his family will always hold close to their hearts.
George is survived by his children: Christine (Phillip) Wolfe of Flora, Julie Nichols of Flora, and Timothy (Susan) Dickinson of Geff; 6 grandchildren: Mallory Cummins, Andrea (Kyle) Michael, Abigail (Dakota) Orel, Blake (Amanda) Owen, Ashley (Jacob) Shreve, and Avy (Matthew) Suntrup; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in passing by his wife: Paula Dickinson; parents: Willard and Ruby Dickinson; sister: Sandy Goodbrake; brother: Willard “Willie” Dickinson; and son-in-law: Mike Nichols.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with David Mills officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Boy Scout Troop 8282, and will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Nov 22, 1948 - Feb 4, 2026
Jan 24, 1938 - Jan 26, 2026
Apr 17, 1940 - Jan 23, 2026
Jan 20, 1947 - Jan 23, 2026
Oct 3, 1936 - Jan 12, 2026
Julie and family: my sincerest and heartfelt condolences to you all. I miss my daddy every day. ⛪️✝️🙏❤️
Julie, Tim and families, so sorry for the loss if your father. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sending a hug and my sincere condolences. Your dad was a great man and a wonderful scout leader to my brothers. Troop 282! He will be missed.
So sorry for your family’s loss! We bought our Christmas tree from George and his scouts every year. He was always so kind.
Good Man and Inspiration to many sadly missed
Thoughts and prayers to his family.
George and Paula were both classmates of mine. It was such a surprise to be greeted by them when we came to Flora in 1978! So many good memories, and more to come in these next years flew by. We know you'll share many stories, hugs and tears, but know our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you as you remember this very special guy! Larry and Sue Kramer
Julie, Avy and all the family, we are so sorry you lost your dad and grandpa. He was a very sweet guy. We are sending you all our thoughts, prayers, hugs and love. ❤️
May love and support surround you during this time of sadness. Your dad’s spirit lives on, cherished by all touched by his kindness. Find comfort in shared memories. With love Becky & Jessica.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for all of your family.
So sorry to hear of George's passing. He had a very strong influence over a multitude of young boys/men during his lifetime. One can only be in awe of his dedication to the Scouting program. Additionally he was a fine example thru his actions, habits and his life. His influence will last well beyond his earthly life. His family can be very proud of him.
Julie and Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a good man who gave so much of himself to others. He impacted so many lives and will live on in the memories he made with each one. You’re all in our prayers. Take comfort in knowing how much he was loved by all who knew him. RIP Scoutmaster George❣️
Julie, really sorry to hear this sad news. George was such a great guy… to so many… for so many years. Not mentioned was his ability to dive from the tallest diving boards around S. Illinois.. at least thats what my Dad remembers! May God bless you all during your sadness… and bless him in Heaven.
George was my Scoutmaster. I really learned a lot from him. Rest in peace my old friend!
Sorry for your loss. Many prayers.
So sorry to hear about your dad's passing. He was a good man, scoutmaster and friend. He will be dearly missed. Praying for the family for strength and healing during this time of sorrow.
This wonderful man earned his wings over and over by mentoring so very many young lives. Thank you to his beautiful family for sharing him all of those years.
Such a great man and community leader. George had a hand in shaping many young people for the better.
What a great man and friend he was for youth and for many Scout leaders around Southern Illinois. Troop 102 Woodlawn IL.
I remember my first scoutmaster when I was a young Boy Scout in troop 282. He was encouraging and kept order as best he could with a troop of rambunctious young fellows. He seemed to always smile his big smile and was glad to see you. He did not treat us as children. George was a memorable fellow for whom many of us are blessed to have had him in our lives. Thanks, George.
I’m sorry to hear of George passing. He was a kind and giving man. I sold him and the scouts christmas trees for the past 30 some years. I had a huge respect for his dedication to the young men he guided. May he rest in eternal peace.
I am so very sorry to hear this. What a huge loss to his family and Clay County. George was such an amazing man. He was a role model for so many boys, including my son, over the years and lead them to experience adventures they never dreamed of through his decades of being Scout leader. He will be missed and fondly remembered by so many proud to have known him. Sending many prayers to his family and loved ones.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your dad helped so many boys as being in the Scouts in Flora. He will be missed very much. He contributed so much to the young boys and then the older ones as they climbed the ladder and badges. Hugs 🫂 to you all.
So sorry to hear this. My sincere condolences to the family of a truly remarkable man. He led a loving, giving life and changed the lives of many young men for the better.
Tim and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was an amazing man. My dad and our entire family knew of his generous heart. Scouting has lost another principled leader. Our deepest condolences.
So sorry to hear bout George ! He was such a good man ! Dedicated his life to a lot of boys through the years for Scouts ! I will miss seeing him sitting on his porch waving at everyone . He’s a peace now with Paula . Hugs and Prayers for coming days .
We were blessed to be neighbors of George and Paula, and their adorable daughters, Chrissy and Julie, well over 60 years. George was always so positive, playful, dedicated to his family, to the scouts, and to his work. I am so grateful for how George and Paula helped my parents in their later years. They always shared so much love. George's influence on our community and neighborhood will be felt for years to come. Sending love and condolences to Chris and Julie Love, Janna
So sorry for your loss. Will miss him and your mom.
Julie, Chris and Tim, so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. He will be remembered as a good family man, a great citizen of Flora and an awesome Scout Master . Condolences and hugs to you all.
My condolences to Chris, Julie, Tim and their families. George was a wonderful man who left a beautiful legacy for all of us to treasure now that he has gone to be with Paula, his lovely wife in Heaven. May God comfort you all at this difficult time.
I met Jr. Bird Man through Boy Scouts. I was a member and Eagle Scout with Troop 102, Woodlawn. There was many weekend camping trips that both our Troops went together. There was one that has always stood out and I will never forget and always be greatful for. We was spending a weekend in Southern Illinois and George was leading a rappeling one of the days. We had been rappeling several times but George had a fresh young group of boys that were not believing a word George said nor trusting him. I was standing on top of this ledge next to George with my harness on. He looked right at me and said you have done this before right? Yes sir! He quickly said drop your gear, I did, he spun it around and before I knew it he had me hooked in backwards!!! With a smile on his face he said walk over that cliff and show these boys how its done. I thought he was crazy!!! But I knew what he was doing so Auzzie style i went and walked right down the face of the cliff. When I got back up to the top George'a smile was even bigger. He let me do it a few more times before ge had to argue with all the young boys that they had to learn to go backwards before they could walk face first over the cliff. George embodied every aspect of being a Boy Scout. He leaves behind one amazing legacy, to the family, Thank You for sharing him with us all. George will be missed by more than you will ever know.
I began my adventure as a Scout Leader mostly by accident but I was very blessed by this accident because I was fortunate to have been blessed by having George Dickinson as my mentor and friend… George’s ever ready million watt smile and hearty handshake made even the gloomiest day much better… So many camp outs and adventures that truly wouldn’t be been possible without George’s teachings and encouragement… 2 trips to Philmont Scout Ranch with Troop 282 kindly allowing our small troop to tag along allowed our young people to have that wonderful experience… Thank You, George for all the campfires and the Blessing of your Friendship…
George will always hold a special place in my memory... "He was a great mentor for so many young men both as our "Scoutmaster and Friend." Mr. Dickinson was bigger than life and respected by all. I salute you Sir for a "Life well lived!" Always prepared... You made Scouting fun! May your fire burn bright in this next life... Respectfully, Your fellow Scout, Explorer, Firecrafter and Order of the Arrow member. "Go with God!"
He was a great man sorry for your loss
I was the scoutmaster of Troop 101 in Mount Vernon ,Illinois. We camped with George and Tom all the time. There was never a man more dedicated to scouting and youth then he was . Fly high Jr birdman. You will be missed by all that knew you.
We are so sorry to hear that George passed away. What an inspiration he was to so many young men. I know that Carter thought the world of him and has so many great memories of George throughout his years in scouting. What a loss to our community.
I always considered George a friend and mentor. May he rest in peace.
My deepest condolences, George was a terrific mentor and role model. I am certain my scouting days set me up for success in the Army, and as a husband and father. Of the many memories I will share two – We went to a first aid meet and did not have a platoon name so George registered us as the Fuzzy Bunnies which taught us how to laugh at ourselves plus a little humility – I think we did well in the meet and got second place due to George’s leadership and guidance. Another time, we had an overnight survival meet and were only allowed a coffee can with limited supplies. George thought he could save us some money I am sure with home-made beef jerky. It was very dry (like crumbling) but it was all we had to eat. We laughed about that for many years. I could go on and on with all the positive memories of George I and countless others I am sure have, his is the definition of a life well lived.
So sorry for your loss. Enjoyed getting to know him and help at scout meetings, campouts, and trips. Also seeing boys grow into young men.
So sorry to hear of George's passing. Many fond memories of my time in scouts, camping, weekly meetings, parades, and playing spud. I know he touched the lives of many boys from the area. God bless.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
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Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
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