TAPS: RADM (Ret) Gene Dickey Passes Away

Obituary courtesy of https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lakeway-tx/gene-dickey-12368746

Rear Admiral Gene P. Dickey, 91, a native of Stantonville, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. He began his naval career in 1955. Following commissioning, he reported for flight training and received his wings in April 1957. He served with the Atomic Energy Commission and with various Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) squadrons until his release from active duty in 1959 and affiliation with an ASW reserve squadron.

Recalled to active duty in 1961, the Admiral served in Airborne Early Warning (AEW) squadrons, then attended the Armed Forces Air Intelligence Training Center in Denver, Colorado, followed by service in the Taiwan Defense Command as an intelligence officer. On completion of this tour in 1966, he again returned to civilian life.

Since 1966, he has been active in Naval Reserve Intelligence. He has commanded reserve intelligence units and has served on the staff of Reserve Intelligence Area Coordinator, Area FIFTEEN. From 1981 to 1984, the Admiral served as Reserve Intelligence Area Coordinator, Area SIX, based at Dallas. In 1986, he was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (lower half) and appointed Director, Naval Reserve Intelligence Program, the fifth to hold that position. He became the first Commander, Naval Reserve Intelligence Command when that organization was established in October of 1988. On 23 January 1990, Rear Admiral Dickey was selected for promotion to Rear Admiral (upper half). His promotion became effective on 1 September 1991. He retired from the Naval Reserve on 27 June 1992.

Rear Admiral Dickey is a 1954 graduate of the University of Tennessee. In his civilian career he has held a variety of senior positions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service and served as the Service’s Southwest Region Administrator until he retired on 15 August 1990. He was then President and CEO of PMI/McLaughlin, INC., until 1993.

The Admiral’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

The Admiral is predeceased by his beautiful wife, Fanna Loma. He is survived by his three sons, Gene Jr. and his wife Tracie, Kevin and his wife Laura, and David; and his nine grandchildren, Brandon, Matthew, Andrew, Ashlie, Alexander, Blake, Devin, Danielle, and Drake.

A graveside service with military honors took place on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 10 AM at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas 76542. A memorial service was held for the Admiral on May 20, 2025 at 2 PM at Lakeway Church, 2203 Lakeway Blvd, Lakeway, Texas 78734.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Austin Alzheimer's Association.