Charles Alvin Dickey was born June 14, 1928 in Azuza California to Lola Mae (Campbell) and Thomas Charles Dickey. He was the oldest of 4 children, raised in Arvin and attended the local schools. Charles enlisted with the Army in 1945 as a paratrooper and a demolition specialist. He met Velta (Davis) in 1951 and they married in 1966; they raised their 7 children here in Arvin. Charles started his career as a local barber and then went to work with Arvin-Edison Water district for 20 years. In his retirement time he enjoyed cutting hair, helping where ever needed, received many church, city and miscellaneous originations awards. He donated "gallons" of blood until diagnosed with cancer. You could often find him delivering Arvin Teller Paper to the "Elderly" as he put it; known for his meatless spaghetti he prepared for the church, although he shared the recipe with others, no one could match his. You couldn't be a resident of Arvin without seeing his smiling and greeting face or hearing his laughter nearby. Charles was preceded in death by both his parents, brother, Marion Nolan; sister, Sylvia Dickey and survived by his loving wife Velta of 43 years; sons, Jerry Lee Sargent and wife Guadalupe, Bobby Gene Graham and wife Sandra; daughters, Paula Dickey, Pamela Dickey, Linda Knote and husband Ernie, and Kathryn Stuck and husband Felipe; sister June Winkler; 13 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren, many, many acquaintances and numerous friends that he made along his life. Charles Alvin Dickey of Arvin passed away November 21, 2009 at the age of 81. Grave side service will be held Monday, November 30, 2009 – 11:00 am at Bakersfield National Cemetery, 3338 E. Bear Mt. Blvd, Arvin with Army National Guard Honors and the local post on site to host and honor his life. The family would like to invite everyone to a reception at 12:30 which will be held at the 7th Day Adventist Church on Haven Drive, Arvin. Granddaughter Belinda Mejia will be taking messages and answering any questions, at 661.837.3264, for the family.