Reginald Freeman Dickey

2005 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Son of Freeman and Carrie Dickey was born in Bulloch County on January 8, 1922. His family moved to a farm in Effingham County near Springfield in the fall of 1928. He attended school at Springfield Academy. Due to illness in the family, he quit school and went to work driving a logging team of mules after the seventh grade. Reg eventually finished high school through night school and correspondence course. He married Clyde Kessler in 1941. They had five children: Reggie Jr., Roger, Ritchie, Nancy and Candy.

Reg joined the Army in September 1939. He fought in World War II from 1943 until 1945. After returning from the service, he was employed by Dixie Asphalt Roofing Company, which was later bought by the GAF Corporation. He advanced to plant superintendent and retired in 1987, after forty one years of service.

Reg pitched and played first base for the Town of Rincon in 1947-1948, with the Effingham Crackers in 1949-50 and in the Savannah River league in 1951-52. Those who played against him said he had a really good curve ball. After his playing career, he coached his sons’ teams in Little League and Pony League Baseball. He later coached his sons’ teams in Effingham County Softball League in 1973-1978. He also played and coached in the Effingham County Volleyball League in the 1980’s.

Reg enjoyed fox and deer hunting, as well as fishing and camping all of his life. He was an active member of Oak Grove Church of Christ in Rincon until his death on January 14, 1993.