Tommy Dickert

   George Thomas "Tommy" Dickert passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, at his home in Fanning Springs, FL, surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old. Tommy was born on August 11, 1942, in Boyd, FL, to George Talmadge Dickert and Hennie Claus Flowers. He grew up in Perry, Florida, and graduated from Taylor County High School in 1960. Tommy attended Mercer University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in business. He then returned home and joined the United States Navy. During his service, Tommy was on board the USS Hornet when they retrieved the crew of the Apollo 11 space mission. After service, he returned home and worked for his dad at Suwannee Lumber Company. 

   In 1971, Tommy met Shirlee Jenkins while eating at the Cypress Inn. They fell in love and got married two years later. The couple enjoyed 50 years of marriage. In 1978, Tommy opened Dixie Green Mulch Company, which he ran for 15 years. During that time, they shipped landscaping products to most states and Puerto Rico. In 1992, Tommy went to work for Knights Products, where he continued his passion for mulch and landscaping products. 

   Tommy was passionate about all things trees. He loved to encourage others to get an education, to plant, cultivate, and watch trees grow. Even during his retirement, he found a passion for building pallets in the backyard. Tommy is survived by his wife, Shirlee Dickert of Fanning Springs; his daughter, Pamela (Chip) Hurst of Palmetto, FL; his son, Timothy (Nicole) Dickert of Jonesville; grandchildren, Olivia (Liam), Landon, Addison, Colton, and Peighton; great-grandchildren, August and Arabella; his brothers, Dr. Jim (Duwanna) Dickert of Crystal River and Bill Dickert of Old Town. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents. 

   A private graveside service for Tommy will be held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. Arrangements are under the care of Watson-Milton Funeral Home in Trenton, Fl. 352.463.8888 www.watsonmilton.com