Ray Dickens

Dr. Ray Dickens of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
in Auburn at the age of 88.
He was born June 24, 1936 in Alpena, Arkansas to Fred Carson Dickens (1904-
1973) and Osie Viola Clayborn Dickens (1910-1993). He was raised with and by
his four sisters in Green Forest, Arkansas.
Dr. Dickens is preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille Bailey Dickens, second
wife, Margaret Dickens, and sisters Gladys Widner, Mary Hatch, and Rena
Wilson. He is survived by his children, Ava Kee, Dale Dickens (wife Lynn),
Angela Jolley (husband Eddie); stepson Joe Michael Smith (wife Sherri); five
grandchildren, James Kee, Crystal Flowers, Anita Jolley, Carlos Kee and Cari
Gantt; step grandchildren Nathan Smith (wife Tammi), Dustin Smith (wife
Maria), Emily Dail (husband Nick), and Ryan Smith (wife Carley); 17 great
grandchildren, and one sister, Viola Aguire.
As a teenager, Dr. Dickens joined the U.S. Army and served in Korea from 1955
until 1956, repairing vehicles and driving tank transports. Following military
service, he worked with the Caterpillar Corporation as a machinist. In 1959, he
received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in Agronomy and
Soils. He obtained his Master's degree and doctrate at Auburn University,
eventually becoming a professor in Turf Grass Agronomy at that same school.
He developed the institution’s first turf grass research and outreach program
and retired Professor Emeritus in 1995. He then started his own consulting
business.
Over his life, Dr. Dickens was a dedicated Christian, serving and attending
services at Auburn Assembly of God, Grace United Methodist Church, West
Auburn Baptist Church, Bear Creek Baptist Church, and Lakeview Baptist
Church. Dr. Dickens was also a member of the Gideons and distributed many
bibles.