Richard "Dick" Bicknell

Richard "Dick" Bicknell, aged 92, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on March 30, 2024, in Columbus, Georgia. He was a family man who cherished gatherings with his loved ones and sharing stories that will forever live on in their hearts. A service honoring Dick's life will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church, Friday, April 19, 2024 at 10:30 am. His remains will be laid to rest in the Columbarium at Fort Moore, GA following the service.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and memories survived by his daughters, Mary Beth Cammon and Kathleen Williams, sons Kevin Bicknell, Michael Bicknell, and Scott Bicknell, grandson Lyle Cammon (Emily), granddaughter Mary Margaret Thompson (Jonathan); great-grandson Jack Thompson, sister Mary Harrington (Ray), his loyal pet dog Rusty, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his father Jesse Bicknell, his mother Vivian Bicknell, brother Jack Bicknell, brother Robert Bicknell, brother Jess Bicknell, brother Billy Bicknell, sister Vivian Taylor, wife Mary Regina Kehoe Bicknell, son Richard Bicknell, son-in-law Duncan Williams III, and mother-in-law Elizabeth Green McBrien (George, Joseph)

Dick proudly served in the United States Army for 20 years as an infantry and airborne officer.  He taught career courses to notable figures such as Colin Powell, served two tours of duty in Korea, and earned a Purple Heart during his tour in Vietnam. After his military service, he obtained a real estate license, then was employed with the Civil Service working in Combat Development and Testing and Evaluation.

He studied at the seminary as a teen but decided the priesthood was not for him. He joined the Army, got married, and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the first in his family to earn a college degree.  Dick was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and later St. Anne Catholic Church.

In his younger days he enjoyed playing pool and was quite the pool shark in Rockland County, New York.  He was active in the local Elks Lodge and was at one time Exalted Ruler. He also coordinated the Hoop Shoot for youths and was chair of the local Elks Scholarship committee.  He had a passion for growing roses and was a dedicated fan of the Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs.  He had the honor of being a volunteer driver for the USA women's softball team during the 1996 Olympic games held here in Columbus, Georgia. He thoroughly enjoyed driving those women anywhere they needed to go and wore the shirt and hat proudly! Dick loved life! He and his wife of 65 years traveled to Alaska, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Portugal and for their 50th anniversary went to Ireland where they enjoyed the sheep, pubs, and mingling with their ancestry. He loved nothing more than family gatherings for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, holidays and any other occasion to get his clan together. He was able to spend several summers attending out of town Atlanta Braves games and if it was in New York, got to visit with family as well. He left a huge legacy and will be missed but remembered by everyone who knew him.

Contributions in his memory can be made to Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama and the American Cancer Society.