Mr. William Allen Dirkson

April 12, 1946 - September 28, 2017

Lebanon, TN 71 Passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. William Allen Dirkson was born on April 12, 1946 to Annie Dee Dockins and Arthur William David Dirkson in Smith County, Tennessee. At an early age, he professed a hope in Christ. William joined New Fairview Missionary Baptist Church where he later served as deacon. He departed this life on September 28, 2017 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Mr. Dirkson graduated from Wilson County High School in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army and began serving in April 1966. After receiving his artillery training at Fort Bennett, William trained others before reporting to Vietnam. He held various positions including Ammo-Chief and Sergeant. While serving in Vietnam, Mr. Dirkson was badly injured in battle several times and received two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and several Campaign Medals. William Dirkson held many jobs at Wilson County Motors, Robert Shaw and Nissan from which he retired. However, his true profession was fishing. He was a master fisherman and storyteller. No one could turn a phrase like “Willie D.” He was united in holy matrimony to Mary Catherine King for 42 years. They had one son, Zachary Allen Dirkson and three grandchildren: Zahria Venee, Zander Ray and Keylynn Lee Dirkson. William was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Edward Dirkson. Those who will cherish his memory include his wife, Mary Catherine; son, Zachery; grandchildren: Zahria Venee, Zander Ray, and Keylynn Lee Dirkson; five siblings: May Margaret (late Eugene) Stafford, Earl (Irene) Dirkson, Ernestine Dirkson, Benjamin Dirkson and Dellas Barr; two devoted cousins: Sarah Corder and Cynthia Dirkson; six sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to mention. Two devoted friends: Ray Neal and Clarence (Angie and Carli) Williams.   Please keep the Dirkson Family in your prayers.