First SGT (Ret.) Kenneth Brian Dickens
First SGT (Ret.) Kenneth Brian Dickens
First SGT (Ret.) Kenneth Brian Dickens, age 63, of Killeen, Texas, formerly of Graceville, Florida went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2026, in Killeen, Texas.
He was an Army Veteran, was born on February 11, 1963, in Donalsonville, Georgia and known to many as Kenny and “K. D.” He joined McChapel African Methodist Episcopal Church at a young age and was a member of the Youth Choir, and Young People Department (“YPD”). He attended Malone High School, and continued his education at Chipola College, Marianna, Florida, and Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas.
In 1983, Kenny enlisted in the United States Army where he actively served and received numerous awards and honors. He served in active duty and was deployed in Iraq and Bosnia. He received numerous medals including – expeditionary medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Air forces Overseas Service Ribbon, Multinational Force and Observers Medal, Bronze Star Medal (1 award), Meritorious Service Medal (1 award), Army Commendation Medal (3 awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal (1 award), Army Achievement Medal (7 awards), Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3 awards), Army Service Ribbon (1 award), Overseas Service Ribbon (4 awards), and Civilian Achievement Medal (4 awards). On June 30, 2007, he retired from the Army with approximately 24 years of active duty. During his service, Kenny served with unwavering dedication defending our freedoms and leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Jean Blanks, and loving grandparents, C.W. and Carrie Lee Blanks, Sr. who raised him.
He leaves to cherish his memories: sons, Antwon Dickens (Shakela) of Graceville, Florida, and Javarri Dickens, of Orange, Texas; sister, Cynthia Dickens Sanders of Dallas, Texas; brothers, Hayes Dickens, Jr. (Demetrius) of Allen, Texas, and Greg Townsend (Jackie) of Chicago, Illinois; two loving grandchildren, Keelan Dickens and Kerrigan (“Laya”) Dickens of Graceville, Florida; four loving nieces, Aramis Sanders Taylor of Los Angeles, California, Ariel Sanders of Dallas, Texas, Haley Dickens and Peyton Dickens of Allen, Texas. Two loving Aunts, Lizzie Blanks Howard of Houston, Texas, and Betty Blanks of Clearwater, Florida, a loyal best friend, Kenneth (“Duck”) Howard of Killeen, Texas, and a host of cousins, other relatives, military family, and friends.
Visitation will be 4-6 PM, Friday, March 27, 2026, in the M. Sue & Rodney Memorial Chapel, 5441 Cooper Street, Graceville, Florida.
A celebration of life will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at McChapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 4963 Old US Road, Marianna, Florida.
He will be laid to rest, with full military honors, in the church cemetery under the directions of Christian Memorial Chapel of Graceville, Florida. http://www.pittmanchristianmemorial.com