Parents: Joseph and Blanche Dicks
Wife: Jean
Daughters: Vanessa, Blanche, Gina, Michelle
Sons: Richard and David (twins)
Richard Dicks was born and raised in Flint and attended Fairview Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Lowell Junior High and Flint Central High. While at Central, Richard lettered in swimming, football, basketball and tennis.
As a child, Richard was a member of Boy Scout Troop #23. His uncle, William Leeper, was the scout master at the old Flint Interracial Community Center (FICC) on St. John Street and while attending high school, he became an assistant scout master.
After high school, Richard enlisted in the Air Force where he became the southwest Light Heavyweight Champion. After his discharge from the Air Force, Richard was the runner up Light Heavyweight in the 1955 Golden Gloves. In 1959, he won the city and state Heavyweight Championship, and represented Michigan in Chicago, Illinois at the National Golden Gloves Tournament. Again in 1960, Richard won city and state Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship and represented Michigan in the National Golden Gloves Tournament, held in Chicago, Illinois. Richard, however, lost a decision in the semifinals, March 3,1960. The tournament was won by Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali).
During the years 1964-1986, Richard was licensed by the state of Michigan to referee amateur and professional boxing. He was senior referee in Flint with 22 years of officiating Golden Gloves Tournaments, AAU Tournaments and the Michigan Golden Gloves Finals in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
After his career in sports and refereeing, Richard obtained two degrees from the University of Michigan, one in educational counseling and a masters in corrections and sociology.
Richard retired from the Flint Police Department in 1985 as Director of Public Safety and is now owner and operator of City Security Guard Co.
Congratulations Richard Dicks, you have made your mark in Flint history.
