William Ernest “Ernie” Dickens died on August 23, 2018, at his home. Ernest was born on November 13, 1939 to William A. and Mildred Dickens in Collins, MS. He grew up in Saucier, but also lived in the surrounding areas of Gulfport, Lyman, McHenry, and Hattiesburg. Ernest formerly pastored churches in Gulfport and Saucier and was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Hattiesburg upon his death.
Ernest is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David Dickens; sister, Fay Nell Kates, and son, Brian L. Dickens.
He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Betty: two sons: Danny Dickens of Gulfport and Michael Dickens of Wiggins: daughter, Catherine Manning of New Orleans; stepsons, Darrel Saxton (Laura) of Cleveland, MS and Duane Saxton of Gulfport, MS; step daughter, Cindy Woodard (Norman) of McKinney, TX: grandchildren: Dalton, Dylan, Merick, Brian, Lauren, Lincoln and Jacob; brothers: John Dickens (Ann) of Wiggins and Carl Dickens (Sharon) of Sandy Hook; sister, Teresa Dickens of Hattiesburg, and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Saucier Missionary Baptist Church in honor of Ernest.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Saucier Missionary Baptist Church 10-12 with the service to follow at 12:00. Interment will be at Saucier Cemetery.