CARTHAGE, Texas — Hundreds of people gathered inside the Carthage Civic Center Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to the remarkable life of Panola County Sheriff Deputy Chris Dickerson.
For two hours on a bright, sunny day, family, friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters in blue and even people who never knew Chris in life took time to laugh, cry and pray.
The funeral began at 2 p.m. with video tributes made by Hawthorn Funeral Home.
The first laughter of the day came when the theme song to the reality show "Cops" played over the speakers. The song lightened the mood as Deputy Cutter Clinton, a close friend and classmate of Chris Dickerson took the stage to deliver the eulogy.
"He touched so many lives during his time on earth. He was the best," Deputy Clinton said. "He was a hero. He is a hero."
Clinton first got to know Chris while the two were teammates on the state championship Carthage Bulldog team, a time when Chris was known by his nickname: Tricky Dick.
"Chris was always that balance of light-heartedness and commitment. He was such a goofball, but unwaveringly dedicated." Clinton remembered. "He was a leader to those underclassmen."
During a game against Gilmer, Tricky lined up and made a game-winning field goal to help the Bulldogs advance in the playoffs.
"I remembering turning around from blocking on the line and seeing him with his hands extended with his hands as high as they can go and that big smile of his," Clinton remembered with a laugh. "That big smile of us his, that giggle Chris had, are just a couple of the many things made him who he was."
Clinton also remembered working alongside Chris in the Panola County Jail, once he left the military.
"Another jailer asked Chris why he was called Tricky Dick," Clinton remembered. "Chris nodded his head back as he sarcastically winked with a half-smile."
Beyond his sense of humor, Clinton remembered Chris' absolute dedication to his work.
"He was depended on, respected and loved by his co-workers," Clinton said. "Chris brought forth innovative solutions to troubles, managed volatile situations without standard reasoning skills. He more than once made [heroic] efforts to save the lives of those he managed."
During that time, Chris also worked several other jobs, including working at a gas station where he struck up a friendship with its Palestinian-born owner. Clinton remembered there was a time when the owner thought of Chris as a partner as much as an employee.
"Chris was a man of love and duty," Clinton said. "He worked so hard, and still had his priorities in line. He still spent time with his friends and family. He remained a devoted husband and father."
Even when he joined the Panola County Sheriff's Office full-time, Chris remained active in the community, serving as a firefighter in Carthage, working police dispatch at the Carthage Police Department, working with the Panola County Red Cross and coaching his daughter's softball team.
When Clinton moved to the Victoria County Sheriff's Office, Chris made a point to stay in close contact with his friend.
"We would keep each other updated on arrests, discuss law changes, talk out scenarios and, of course, share our personal lives," Clinton said.
When Clinton moved back to Panola County, he and Chris would often meet to share a meal before their shift.
"He always talked so proudly of his family. He loved them so much," Clinton said. "He was always looking after his family and spoke lovingly and in-depth about each and every one of them."
Clinton says his friend could never realize just how loved he was by others in his community.
"I did love him. And everyone that knew him loved him," Clinton said. "He is the kind of man that is the reason we live in a country that we are provided the opportunities to live the safe and prosperous lives that we do."
Following a standing ovation of several seconds, Panola County Sheriff Kevin Lake took the stage.
"Despite the dark shadows that's been cast over us this week, especially today, Psalm 118:24 reminds us that 'This is the day that Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it,'" Sheriff Lake said.
Sheriff Lake centered Chris Dickerson's reverence for his badge, using a favorite catchphrase of Chris': "So here's the deal."
"The badge is the one item that the officers do not receive until all the recruit training is done, until all of the tests have passed and they've met all the requirements to become a peace officer," Sheriff Lake said.
Sheriff Lake defined what a badge was and went through the pages of history to tell the audience the great responsibility when someone accepts and wears that badge, even quoting the Bible.
"I know, without a doubt, that Chris 'Tricky' Dickerson, would join me in encouraging each of you officers here today to take this to heart: First of all, to have faith in God, your fellow officers, your training, your education, your experience, your family: All exhibiting the badge that's pinned upon your chest," Lake said. "Chris valiantly displayed this in course of his duties each and every day."
Lake said of the great pride and honor Chris took in wearing his badge and serving his community.
"The day I gave Chris that badge, that room couldn't contain the pride that swelled up in that young man," Lake said. "The best part of it is, that pride never subsided."
As a final tribute, Kevin Lake officially retired Badge 319 in Chris' honor.
"Rest east in the arms of God, my friend," Lake said before saluting Chris' casket. "We'll take it from here."
Finally, Rev. Rick Linebarger took the stage to deliver the homily.
It was providing comforting words to remind the audience his legacy will continue to live on.
"Death for a child of God is not a period, but a comma in the story of life," Rev. Lineburger said. "I'm not sure, sheriff, if [Chris] didn't approach the pearly gates and tell Peter, 'I'm after your job.'"
He led the congregation in a final, emotional prayer saying in part: "May this young's man's life not be given without a purpose."
Chris Dickerson will rest at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery.
If you would like to donate to Chris' family, you may drop off donations at the Panola County Sheriff's Office through the East Texas 100 Club by following this link.
REMEMBERING CHRIS DICKERSON
RELATED: Fit for a Hero: Community gathers to remember Chris Dickerson as his body returns home to Carthage
