Several people came out last Friday to the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers' bloodmobiles that were parked in downtown Luverne not just to give to those in need, but to give in memory of someone who was very special to them.

Blood donations were taken as a memorial to Mr. Rexton Dickey, owner of Steppin' Out in downtown Luverne, who died Wednesday, May 24, from injuries he received during a serious accident involving a tractor. Mr. Dickey was 62.

&#8220Mr. Dickey was my principal at Luverne Elementary all the way from kindergarten through sixth grade,” Kristy Lee of Rutledge said as she lay in the chair while donating blood. &#8220I've donated blood several times before, and I do it because it's for a good cause, but this is extra special. I'm doing this for Mr. Dickey's memory.”

&#8220You couldn't ask for a better man,” Lee said. &#8220He was as sweet as he could be. He treated everybody the same.”

Mandy Harrison, donor recruitment manager for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, said that it was at the family's request that blood donations be made as a memorial to Mr. Dickey.

&#8220We're pleased with the turnout, and we appreciate the support of the community as I'm sure the family does as well,” she said.

Harrison noted that by donating blood to LifeSouth, &#8220you are supporting your local community because we supply 100 percent of the blood products needed for patients at Crenshaw Community Hospital.”

LifeSouth serves nine hospitals in seven counties and are based out of Montgomery.

&#8220You never know when you or someone you love will need blood,” Harrison said.

Johnny Jones, store manager of Crenshaw County Hardware, said that he had known Mr. Dickey for at least 25 years.

&#8220I know that all the children loved him at school,” he said. &#8220He was a very likeable person. And if you saw him, you saw his dog. His dog would sit in the back of the truck or stay in front of the store until he left.”

Jones said that his wife, Melonee, had seen Mr. Dickey at Glenwood's Festival at the Well driving a buggy full of men who were dancing and singing to the song &#8220YMCA.”

&#8220That was something to see,” Jones said with a smile. &#8220He'll definitely be missed.”

Funeral services for Mr. Dickey were held Saturday, May 27.