Richard Earl Dickens II's Obituary
A precious one from us has gone,
a voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home
which never can be filled,
And after a lonely heartache,
and many a silent tear,
We’ll always have a beautiful memory
of one we loved so dear.
Richard Earl Dickens II passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 10th, 2025. Richard was born on December 3rd, 1980 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Richard Earl Dickens and Delora Kennedy-McGill.
Richard accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Union Missionary Baptist Church. He received his education in Waterloo, Iowa and in later years in San Diego, California. He was a very humble, respectful young man who was a sports enthusiast and lifelong childhood fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Richard loved spending time with his family, known affectionately as a “mama’s boy,” attending family gatherings, and sharing his love for music.
Richard’s memory will be cherished by his loving parents, Richard Dickens I of Waterloo and mother Delora Kennedy-McGill of Dallas, Texas; brother and sister, Quinton Dickens and Rikale Dickens of Dallas; aunts, Mary “Pede” Wyant of Des Moines, Iowa, Mary (Lee) Galloway, Glory Dickens-Hart, JoAnn O’Neal of Waterloo, Willie Jean (Alvin) Veasley, Ann O’Neal-Lee, Jhaenie McDonald, and Virginia O’Neal of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; uncles Henry (Connie) Kennedy Jr. of Warren, Wisconsin, Sherman Kennedy of Chicago, Illinois, Willie (Nakesha) Dickens II of Waterloo, Iowa, and Robert “Bo” (Sally) Lewis of Florissant, Missouri; special great-aunt Rosie Coleman; special great-uncle Booker T. Grisby; special cousin Annie Lee Simpson; and a host of cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Henry Kennedy Sr. and Marion “Lucy” (Johnnie) O’Neal; paternal grandparents, Willie Ed Dickens Sr. and Julia B. Dickens; aunts, Linda Wright, Eyvonne Hughes, and Bobbie Jean Wright; and uncles, Larry Grisby Sr. and Jessie O’Neal.
Richard’s kind, humble spirit will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Though his time was short, the love and joy he brought to every gathering will forever bring strength and a gentle smile to those he left behind. May now he rest peacefully in the embrace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
The Sanders Service
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?

