Walter Lawrence Dickens, 97, of Monroe, passed away Friday, August 5, 2016. He was born on August 13, 1918, in Carroll County, Virginia to the late James Anderson Dickens and Frances Hanks Dickens. A veteran of World War II, Walter served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945, participating in numerous battles, most notably serving as a medic on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was honorably discharged as First Sergeant and received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and European-African Eastern Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge as well as the French Legion Medal of Honor. Upon discharge, Mr. Dickens returned to Virginia where he began a 40 year career with Carnation Milk Company, ultimately transferring to Monroe, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Mrs. Clyde Dickens, 5 sisters, 2 brothers, and a great-grandson, Aiden Shin. He is survived by his three children, Brenda Britt and husband, Gary, of Gastonia, Richard Dickens and wife, Emily, of Oak Ridge, and Sarah Hemby and husband, Tim, of Wesley Chapel; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Walter was very proud of his family and showed his love for them in a multitude of ways. He was selfless in the way he cared for his family, friends and community. From sharing garden produce, to visiting shut-ins, to mowing lawns, to giving haircuts - when he saw a need, he was there to help. He was known for being an amazing storyteller who could keep you engaged in conversation for hours. You never spent a dull moment with him. His sense of humor and memory for details made everyday events sound like exciting adventures. He was a consummate jokester who laughed until he cried; not even his grandkids were exempt from being targets of his practical jokes. Walter could recall poems and songs verbatim from any period of his life and would often break into song at a moments notice. He shared his beautiful bass voice in the church choir for years. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix; he was the original MacGyver. His shed was a treasure trove filled with tools and his creations. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Walter Dickens, officiated by Rev. Ron Hanna, will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016, at 2:00 PM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 2301 North Rocky River Road, Monroe, NC 28110, followed by Military Rites by the North Carolina National Guard. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 1:00 PM in the church’s family life center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Boulevard, Monroe, NC 28110 or to Shiloh Baptist Church. Gordon Funeral Service is caring for the Dickens family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com.