James Elmer Dickerson

James “Elmer” Dickerson, 87, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Hospice of Rockingham County. A graveside service will be held at 2:00PM, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at Dan River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Due to Covid-19, the family will greet friends after the service at the cemetery. Elmer was born on January 25, 1933 in Rockingham County to Nummie and Ruth Dickerson. Elmer was known by many as “Papa” and was a lifelong resident of Rockingham County. He worked a shipyard in Newport News, VA when he was younger and then started his own Floor Refinishing Business, Dickerson Floor Sanding, which he continued until he retired. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he loved working in his many gardens. Elmer especially loved teaching his great-grandson, Clay, the tricks of the trade in the garden and enjoyed playing music his entire life. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Dickerson; daughter, Alma Gwyn Barrett; brothers, Eldridge Dickerson, Eugene Dickerson, and Herman “Tink” Dickerson. He is survived by his son, Jeffery Dickerson; granddaughter, Michell Dillard; grandson, Todd Saunders; step-grandchildren, Matthew Barrett and wife Megan, Ginny Price and husband Ted; 11 great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Jerry Barrett; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family. In lieu of food and flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Rockingham County, 2150 NC-65, Reidsville, NC 27320, or to Peaceful Baptist Church, 1132 Berry Hill Road, Danville, VA 24541.