MAJ Herman Dickerson

Maj. Herman Edward “Foots” Dickerson Sr. was born on November 1, 1915, in Guilford County, North Carolina. He entered the U.S. Army in August 1940 and served through January 1946, rising to the rank of Major. During World War II he served in parachute infantry, holding key leadership positions including Headquarters Company Commander, Regimental Demolitions Officer responsible for demolition training across the regiment, Regimental Adjutant, and Battalion Executive Officer.

After the war, Dickerson briefly played professional football for the Chicago Cardinals, demonstrating the same drive and athleticism that had marked his military service. He soon found his true calling in public administration and helped shape modern municipal government in North Carolina. Dickerson first served as city manager in St. Pauls and Laurinburg, North Carolina, becoming the first city manager in Laurinburg after that town formally adopted the council–manager form of government.

On January 31, 1955, he was appointed City Manager of Statesville, North Carolina, a position he would hold for roughly 24 years. Under his leadership, Statesville navigated an era of growth, infrastructure expansion, and civic debate—from budgets and bond issues to parking, utilities, and community services—as contemporary council records and news accounts repeatedly reference “City Manager Herman Dickerson” at the center of major decisions. Even after retiring, he appears to have been called back to serve as interim city manager in the mid-1980s, a testament to the trust the community placed in him.

Dickerson married Nell Taylor, and together they raised a family that remained closely rooted in North Carolina.

Herman died on April 2, 1987, in Iredell County and is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville.