Obituary of Robert Stanley Dicks

Chapel Hill Dr. Robert Stanley Dicks, Jr. As Bob often said, I was born in "the front room" in Barnwell, SC in 1917 to Wilhemena Antley Dicks and Robert Stanley Dicks, Sr. His Father passed away and Bob became man of the house at age 12. He moved to Chapel Hill at the age of 16 where he helped design and build a home for his family (now in the historic district) so he could attend the University of North Carolina and still care for his mother and sister. Always a strong advocate of education he completed his BS from University of North Carolina, MS from Virginia Tech and his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in chemical engineering. He chose a career in industry but throughout his life he held adjunct professor appointments at several universities and continued to teach and share his love of learning with young engineers. His career spanned nearly 60 years, beginning with detailed research for Shell Oil in Houston, TX and progressed through increasingly responsible technical and management positions culminating with P&L responsibility for the Celanese chemical plant in Bay City, TX. In retirement he provided public service by heading the industrial unit and serving as Chief of Wastewater Permits for the Texas Water Commission. In addition he served as a professor at the University of Texas, teaching senior and graduate level engineering majors the economic side of engineering. As a highly successful businessman, teacher, and public servant, he was sought after and served on boards of directors including banks, associations, and foundations. In these capacities, his contributions continued throughout his 8th decade. While in graduate school he met, and later married Frances Findley who was also a graduate student studying physics. They had three children, who survive Bob: R. Stanley Dicks III, Gregory M. Dicks and Carol Frances Dicks Culver. The family has grown to include 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one more on the way. His family philosophy weathered the traditional family changes over the decades as he embraced all family additions with open arms and heart. For the last 15 years of his life, Bob returned to his roots, here in Chapel Hill. For most of those years he lived at Carolina Meadows, where he flourished with activities in golf, bridge, and travel. He met Marion Peterson at Carolina Meadows, who captured his heart and became the last great love of his life. He served as the Patriarch for the extended family here in the Chapel Hill area. Online condolences can be made at: www.walkersfuneralservice.com