John Dickenson

John Guerrant Dickenson died Wednesday, November 10, at home in Danville, Virginia at age 86. Born in Danville on October 5, 1935, he was the son of the late Daniel D. Dickenson and Ellen Guerrant Dickenson. John attended Washington and Lee College and graduated from Lynchburg College following his discharge from US Army service. He returned to Danville, took up his father's insurance business, and ran it until his retirement. John's first love was golf, and one of the highlights of his avocation was his 1982 championship win at the annual Attuclac tournament in Southern Pines, NC. John also enjoyed singing, his rich bass voice gracing several glee clubs and barbershop quartets. He was an avid Caribbean snorkeler, backyard birdwatcher, Dan River explorer, county road wanderer, 19th hole card player, North Carolina beachcomber, and aviation enthusiast. He held membership in numerous local social clubs and organizations throughout his life in Danville. John was a proud patriot, and loved to talk conservative politics to anyone he could engage. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Dr. Dan Dickenson, Jr. John is survived by his wife Sylvia Paylor Dickenson and step-son Austin Paylor, of the home, son John Dickenson, Jr. and his wife Kathryn, son David Dickenson and his wife Kim, son Allen Dickenson, and four grandchildren. John was raised in the First Presbyterian Church of Danville, and he knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His family will hold a graveside service at the Dickenson family plot in Green Hill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to Commonwealth Hospice in memory of John. The family will receive friends Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 2:00 to 3:30PM at Townes Funeral Home.