Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

March 30, 2025

CHARLOTTE - John Albert Dickson III, whose lifelong humor and brilliance were expressed through chemical equations and math, passed away on March 30, 2025. From his elementary school days, when he began speaking in equations, John’s unique gift not only entertained but also sustained him and his family throughout his life.

Born in Mt. Vernon, TX, on December 7, 1937, John was the son of John Albert Dickson Jr. and Helene Scott Dickson. His sister, Pat Dickson Reynolds (David), predeceased him. He is survived by his brother, Scott Sewell Dickson (Suzanne), of Arp, TX.

John grew up in Louisiana and Arkansas, graduating from El Dorado High School. He then attended Columbia University, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering and was a proud member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, later serving as its president. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree, John served in the U.S. Navy at Pearl Harbor Naval Station.

In 1963, John’s daughter Amy Dickson Harris (Roy) was born in Honolulu. Two years later, in 1965, his son, John Albert Dickson IV (Mandy), was born.

John’s professional career began at Union Carbide in New York City before he co-founded a company in Fort Mill, SC, that later became Nation Ford Chemical.

John’s loving wife, Susan Price Dickson, joined him in this journey, along with her two daughters, Karen (Steve) Astrop and Janice Jackson. John adored his three precious granddaughters: Katherine Elyse Dickson, Nina Margaret Astrop, and Susan Blair Astrop.

One of John’s most cherished experiences was his involvement in Covenant Presbyterian Church’s mission work in the Yucatán. He went on two separate mission trips, where he fondly recalled meeting the rest of the group at the airport. “They all had their tool belts, and I brought my spice rack,” he said. As the chef for the group, John brought his love of gourmet cooking to the mission field, serving meals with the same care and creativity that he applied to his kitchen at home.

John’s commitment to service was also reflected in his long-standing contribution to Nourish Up of Charlotte. For years, he grew hundreds of pounds of tomatoes on the grounds of Covenant Presbyterian Church, which were donated to Nourish Up. John became known at the church for his dedicated work in perfecting the soil, creating a framework for supporting the tomato plants, and ensuring they were properly watered. His care for the garden even extended to relocating squirrels to Freedom Park—allowing the plants to flourish while keeping the local wildlife well cared for.

Throughout his life, John and his family enjoyed many adventures, traveling to China, Africa, France, Germany, and Spain.

John was passionate about gourmet cooking and gardening; hobbies that brought him joy and allowed him to express his creativity.

A celebration of John’s extraordinary life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.covenantpresby.org/live

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nourish Up of Charlotte, 901 Carrier Dr, Charlotte, NC 28216.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204. (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.