Francis Aloysius Dickerson, "Shine" as he was affectionately known, 80 of Mechanicsville, MD, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2014 at George Washington Hospital, to be with his Master. Shine was born on December 12, 1933 to the late George Allen and Elizabeth Dickerson in Abell, MD. He was the 9th child born and the youngest of his siblings. Shine received his education in the St. Mary's County Public Schools. He later married Elizabeth Thomas Dickerson and from this union, they had one son, Francis.

In 1955, he joined the U. S. Army where he served our country with courage and bravery to protect our freedoms. He was honorably discharged in 1957. After leaving the military, Shine began doing what he loved to do; working on the water and building homes. He first built his own home and also helped build homes for family and friends. In 1967, Shine joined Labor Local #832 and worked on various construction jobs. In 1974, he went to work for Baltimore, Gas and Electric (BG&E) doing construction work, where he worked until his retirement.

Shine was a person of good moral character. He was a kind-hearted, very likeable and fun-loving person. He was always a positive person and loyal to his family and friends. His nickname "Shine" is so appropriate for him; he is truly a "shining" star to all who knew him or had the opportunity to meet him.

Shine knew that life was about being happy and being able to enjoy life. He had several hobbies and interests which made him happy and enjoy his life. He enjoyed going to boat races, car shows and meeting up with the "boys" at the race track. Shine also enjoyed dancing, relaxing in his recliner and watching westerns and hanging out with his homeboys, shooting the breeze, at the Chaptico store. He had a passion and love for antique cars. Shine loved to restore old cars, with his grandson, Dwayne, right by his side.

Shine was preceded in death by his parents George and Elizabeth Dickerson; six siblings, George, Herman, Earl, Aubrey, Paul and Marjorie Dickerson and his mother and father-in-law, Harry and Mary Thomas.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Elizabeth Dickerson; loving son, Francis (Elaine); one sister, Rita Frederick ; brother, Joseph (Joe) Dickerson ; seven adored grandchildren, Charity Dickerson, Shanika Cutchember, Tomika Cutchember Maddox, Lakisha Powell, Derrick Cutchember, Dwayne Dickerson and Elesite Lyles; eight great grandchildren; seven sisters-in law, Mary Dickerson, Louise Dickerson, Vincena Dickerson , Shirley Dickerson, Caroline Countiss, Agnes Queen and Rose Shade; two special friends, Jimmy Parker and Kenny Armstrong and a host of other relatives and friends.

Family will unite with relatives and friends on Saturday, July 5, 2014 for visitation at 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 21340 Colton's Point Road, Avenue, MD. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery, Bushwood, MD.

Arrangements provided by Briscoe-Tonic Funeral Home.