Jerry Douglas Dickinson

ASHEBORO — Jerry Douglas Dickinson, 89, of Asheboro passed away peacefully at Randolph Health on Thursday, July 11, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Jerry was born in Carolina Beach, NC, on June 28, 1935, to Jasper Bright and Nina Whatley Dickinson. 
He attended Ulah School until the third grade, at which point he transferred to Seagrove School, where he graduated in the class of 1954.

After graduating he went on to work at Klopman Mills, where he was employed for more than 10 years. During this time, Jerry was busy initiating the start of the Ulah Fire Department, established in 1967, as well as opening his own company, D-Blaze Inc., originating in 1970. Jerry led the charge in a group of men who not only started the Ulah Fire Department but who physically built the fire station by hand, which is still standing today. 

Jerry was married to his wife, Diana Williamson Dickinson, for 53 years until her passing in 2009. 
His dedication to the fire department and fire safety went beyond his occupation; they were his passion. His son, Michael Dickinson, started working for D-Blaze Inc. at 15 years of age, and his son, Trenton Dickinson, began working for them at the same age. 

Jerry’s lifestyle revolved around his investment in firefighting. He was the first and only chief of the Ulah Fire Department for 50 years, and was still active up to until the time of his passing. This position earned him the title “Chief 11” as the Ulah Fire Department’s number is Station 11.

He was a member of the Ulah Fire Department’s Board of Directors, in addition to being a member of the first Fire Commission in Randolph County. He was likewise a member of the North Carolina Fire Chief Association and served on the board of the Randolph County Fire Association. Up until the end of his life, he continued to work for his company, D-Blaze, which is still a thriving family-owned business. 

Mr. Dickinson was recently presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Office of State Fire Marshal. He was the first person to ever receive this award in the state of North Carolina. 

He was also presented with a Golden Coin, which symbolizes Courage, Valor and Honor. Jerry was also a charter member of Whispering Pines Presbyterian Church in Ulah, which he also took part in building with his own hands. 

Jerry was an incredibly self-sufficient man, independent to his core. He was a lifetime owner of and had a deep love for his Boston Terriers, who will miss him dearly. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Diana Williamson Dickinson; parents; son, Michael Dickinson; grandson, Jeremy Dickinson; and infant brother, Jasper Bright Dickinson. 

He is survived by his daughter, Kim Black (Bam) of Asheboro; grandchildren, Trenton Dickinson (Amy) of Asheboro, Karmen Black of Greenville, SC, Lars Black of Asheboro, Lindsay Hancock (J.R.) of Troy, Preston Hannah of Level Cross; daughter-in-law, Donna Dickinson of Asheboro; sister Helen Dickinson Rich (Van) of Asheboro; and his longtime friend and companion, Carolyn Maness. 

The family received friends at Kim’s home, 371 Brantley Drive, Asheboro, NC 27205. 

There was a visitation for the Dickinson family on Monday, July 15, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. 

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Flag Springs United Methodist Church, 5852 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205. 

The funeral service was also  live-streamed from the sanctuary into the church fellowship hall, where additional seating was available. 

For those unable to attend, the live-stream is accessible from home on any device with an internet connection. Sign up for the live-stream here.

Burial took place in the church cemetery following the service, complete with Firefighter’s Honors provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s Honor to the Flag Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, Attn: J. Hancock, 5852 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205. 

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is serving the Dickinson family.