Providing Compassionate and Dignified Funeral Services
In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, A. A. Dicks Funeral Home stands as a beacon of support and compassion, offering solace to families during their most challenging moments. This family-owned and operated funeral home has been a trusted name in the community, renowned for its dedication, professionalism, and heartfelt care.
A Foundation of Dedication, Family Tradition, and Pastoral Care
Anthony A. Dicks, Sr. brings over fifty-three years of experience to the funeral service industry, where he has been a guiding force in Columbia. His expertise and leadership have shaped the compassionate and professional care that A. A. Dicks Funeral Home is known for, making it a cornerstone of support for families in the community. He gained valuable experience at Palmer Memorial Chapel while earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Economics from Benedict College and an associate’s degree in Funeral Service from Gupton-Jones College in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2000, Anthony purchased and renamed the Sullivan Funeral Home, establishing A. A. Dicks Funeral Home Sullivan Chapel. The business expanded with the acquisition of Promised Land Cemetery in 2006. In July 2010, Anthony and his family renovated the old Krispy Kreme Donut building at 2548 Main Street, Columbia, SC., which was the interim home of A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. A. A. Dicks Corporation purchased 6400 North Main Street Columbia in September 2021, which is the new home of A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. The Original Blue Ribbon Cab Company, the first African-American-owned Cab Company in Columbia, formerly owned this property. Mr. Dicks renovated the ten thousand square foot building on this two-acre tract transforming it into a spacious state-of-the-art funeral service facility. This transformation underscores the family's commitment to providing modern, accessible facilities while maintaining their legacy of compassionate care.
Beyond his role in the funeral home, Anthony has also been the Pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, for the past forty-two years, reflecting his deep commitment to pastoral care and the fact that his tradition runs strong in his family. He is married to Denise J. Dicks, and they have four children, three of whom have followed in their father's footsteps as ministers of The Gospel, continuing the family's legacy of spiritual leadership and service. This dedication to pastoral care and community support, both through their ministry and their work at the funeral home, makes A. A. Dicks Funeral Home a trusted and respected institution in Columbia.
Comprehensive Funeral Services
A. A. Dicks Funeral Home offers a wide range of services designed to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones, ensuring every detail reflects the family's wishes and preserves the memory of the deceased. Their core offerings include:
- Traditional Funeral Services: Complete funeral arrangements, including visitation, ceremonies, and graveside services, tailored to meet the family's needs.
- Cremation Services: They offer dignified and personalized cremation services, with options for memorials, keepsakes, and urn selections.
- Pre-Planning Services: Thoughtful pre-planning options to ease the burden on loved ones and ensure final wishes are honored.
- Grief Support: Compassionate grief counseling and resources to help families navigate their loss.
Valued Staff
At the helm is Anthony A. Dicks, Sr., a seasoned funeral director, embalmer, and licensed pre-need insurance provider with over fifty years of experience specializing in mortuary science and post-mortem restoration. His philosophy, “I am a funeral service needs problem-solver,” underscores his commitment to comfort during difficult times. Alongside him is a dedicated team, ensuring each family's unique needs are met with the highest integrity and excellence in service.
Modern Facilities
A. A. Dicks Funeral Home is equipped with modern, serene facilities that provide a comforting environment for families. Their spacious chapels, visitation rooms, and reception areas offer a respectful space for families to gather and pay tribute to their loved ones.
Community Engagement
Deeply rooted in Columbia, A. A. Dicks Funeral Home actively participates in local events and charitable initiatives, fostering strong relationships within the community. This engagement enhances their service offerings and reinforces their role as a trusted and valued business.
Impact of the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Program
The Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Program has been instrumental in the continued success of A. A. Dicks Funeral Home. The program has provided vital resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, allowing the funeral home to refine its business strategies and expand its reach. This support has positioned A. A. Dicks Funeral Home for significant growth, ensuring they continue to offer exceptional service to the community.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, A. A. Dicks Funeral Home is committed to continuing its legacy of compassionate service and community involvement. With plans to open a second location, they aim to extend their reach and provide exceptional care to even more families. Their ongoing commitment to industry advancements ensures they will meet the evolving needs of the families they serve.
Conclusion
A.A. Dicks Funeral Home remains a cornerstone of the Columbia community, providing dignified and compassionate funeral services. With a legacy of excellence, a dedicated staff, and a commitment to the highest standards, they stand ready to support families in their time of need. Visit their website to learn more about how A. A. Dicks Funeral Home can offer care and professionalism during life’s most challenging moments.
More About the Midlands Minority Business Accelerator Program
The Midlands Minority Business Accelerator (MMBA) is a program of the Columbia Chamber in partnership with the South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator. The South Carolina Minority Business Accelerator is a statewide initiative formed by the Greenville Chamber, the Charleston Metro Chamber, and the Columbia Chamber.
Funded with a seed grant from Bank of America, the initiative was designed to advance economic inclusion across the state of South Carolina by helping to reduce the economic disparities experienced by minority-owned businesses. The initiative provides opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for high-potential minority-owned firms. MMBA is the Columbia Chamber's major economic development tool designed to make minority businesses more competitive.
