Mayor Dean Dickey

Mayor Dean Dickey, a devoted public servant, respected business leader, and lifelong advocate for his community, passed away on January 8, 2026. He was born on August 30, 1933, in Pulaski, Tennessee, to the late Harvey H. Dickey and Estelle McNeece Dickey. Dean’s life was marked by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the people and community he loved.

Dean’s professional life reflected an extraordinary dedication to both business excellence and people. From 1973 to 1997, he was the owner and operator of seven supermarkets under Giant Foods Inc. and Pic Pac Foods Inc. throughout Middle Tennessee. During this time, he led as many as 300 associates, remaining personally involved in daily operations and fostering strong relationships with employees and the communities his businesses served.

His leadership extended well beyond the grocery industry. Dean was instrumental in establishing the Tennessee Grocers Association and the Tennessee Grocers Education Foundation. In recognition of his commitment to education and opportunity, he was honored with a scholarship endowment bearing his name, the Dean Dickey Scholarship. He also served as a board member of the National Grocers Association.

Dean’s heart for service naturally led him into public office. He served as Columbia City Council Member for Ward 4 from 2008 to 2010 before being elected Mayor of the City of Columbia. He faithfully served as mayor from 2010 until January 3, 2019, leading with integrity, steady vision, and a deep concern for the well-being of Columbia’s citizens.

Throughout his career, Dean held numerous leadership and advisory roles, including Chairman of the Million Dollar Endowment Drive for Columbia State Community College and board member of the Columbia State Foundation. He served on the Executive Committee of the Nashville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and was an active member of the South Central Development District and the South Central Human Resource Agency. Earlier in his career, he held management positions with the Tennessee Department of Labor and served as Business Services Manager at the Maury County Career Center.

A steadfast community leader, Dean was deeply involved in civic and charitable organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, American Red Cross, and the Kiwanis Club of Columbia. His service was recognized with the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Breakfast Rotary and the George F. Hixon Fellowship from the Kiwanis Club of Columbia. He also served as a trustee for the Baptist Healing Trust and as a past board member of Baptist Hospital.

Dean proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Pusan, Korea, and received an Honorable Discharge. He was a 21-year member of American Legion Post 19 and remained deeply proud of his military service.

Above all, Dean was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a graduate of Campbellsville High School and a faithful member of First Baptist Church. On April 19, 1952, he married the love of his life, Joann Russell Dickey, and together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and service.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joann; his children, Debbie (Steve) Nowlin and Mike (Tracie) Dickey; five grandchildren, Leslie (Nathan) McBroom, Andrew (Kendra) Nowlin, Patrick (Diana) Nowlin of Salt Lake City, UT, John Dickey, and Caroline Dickey of Nashville, TN, Shelby Autrey of Austin, TX; and his great-grandchildren, Sutton McBroom, Crosby Edward McBroom, Crockett Eli McBroom, Holland Claire McBroom, Oaks Russell Nowlin, Annie Dean Nowlin, Camden Vernon Nowlin, and Lillian Ryan Nowlin.

Mayor Dean Dickey’s life was defined by leadership with integrity, service with humility, and a genuine love for his community and family. His legacy will continue to live on in the city he served so faithfully and in the many lives he touched.

Dean’s family will receive friends January 22, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at First Family Church in Columbia, Tennessee. Friends can visit prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., January 23, 2026 at First Family Church.

Pallbearers will be: Patrick Nowlin, Drew Nowlin, John Dickey, Nathan McBroom, David Dickey, and Dillon Manies.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: City of Columbia Council Members, City of Columbia Employees, Former employees of Giant Foods Inc., Members of Kiwanis Columbia Chapter, Columbia State Foundation Board Members, South Central Workforce Board Members, State of Tennessee Grocers Association Board Members, Senator Joey Hensley, State Rep. Michale Curcio, State Rep. Scott Cepicky, State Rep Barry Doss, Senator Jim Tracy, County Mayor Shela Butt, Tony Massey, Rob Iker, Judge Bobby Holaway, Judge Bobby Sands, Judge Tom Dubois, Sheriff Bucky Rowland, Sheriff Enoch George, Sheriff Ashley Brown, Dr. Kevin Maquiling, Dr. Steve Simmons, Dr. Amit Choksi, Alan Watson, Dr. Paul Joyner, Dr. Trent Ogilvie, Rev. Kenny Anderson, James Bennett, Keith Ponder, Jan McKeel, Stephen Webb, Wes Kelly, Doug Burgess, Glenn Jernigan, Jerry Mansfield, C.T. Johnson, Jean Brown, Larry Drumwright, Kevin Thomason, Don Shultz, Grant Bailey, Jim Byars, Johnny Bevil, Julius Johnson, Jeff Akin, Randy Wilmore, Bill Marbet, Harvey Church, Riley Sloan, Mike Green, Darlene Baxter, Dave Skillington, Dave Forester, and Sonny Shackelford.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, First Baptist Building Fund, St. Jude’s in Memphis.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com