Services for our son, Nathaniel Ross Dickerson, will be held on Tuesday, July 17th at 2:00 p.m. at Marvin United Methodist Church in downtown Tyler, with Dr. John Robbins officiating.

Nate passed away in his parents’ arms in Dallas on Thursday, July 12. Nate lived for only 16 days, but those days were filled with the love and prayers of many people, all hoping that he would overcome the obstacles that he faced from his early arrival. The caring doctors and nurses at Methodist Hospital worked to help him thrive and make him comfortable, but finally surrendered him to God. Much illness is overcome here on Earth, but some illness can be healed only in Heaven.

Nathaniel is survived by his parents, as well as his sister, Mia, his maternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Floyd G. Betts, of Tyler, his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Dickerson, of Tyler, his great grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Nolte, of New Braunfels, and his great grandmother, Ms. Dianne C. Betts, of Dallas. Nathaniel is also survived by his aunt Donna and uncle Clint Phillips, of Overton, his aunt Diane and uncle Terry Hawkins, of Tyler, and his aunt Kelly Betts, of Seattle Washington, as well as many other loved ones.

Nate’s family requests that memorials be made to Methodist Hospital, Dallas, NICU, or to Marvin UMC Missions Department.

Stacy and I would like to thank you all for your prayers and for the many messages of love and support you have sent our way over the past couple of weeks. The love and compassion of so many people--from Methodist Hospital, from church, from our families and from our jobs--has given us peace. Like it or not, you have shown us God's love.