Rufus Joe (Yusaf Pasha) Dickerson Sr.

Rufus Joe Dickerson, Sr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Lee Roy Dickerson, Sr. and Elizabeth Moore Dickerson. He departed this life on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:08 a.m.

Rufus' journey took him to New York, where he excelled as a semi-pro football player for the New York Jets. However, his impact off the field was even more significant. Driven by a desire for social justice and community empowerment, he became a dedicated member of the Black Panther Party, affiliated with the Freedom Center in Huntington, New York. His leadership led to the formation of the first "Soul Brother" organization in Hunting, Long Island, creating a lasting footprint of unity and pride.

In 1976, Rufus embraced a new spiritual path, converting to the Nation of Islam and taking the name Yusaf Pasha. His faith remained a cornerstone of his life. A man who believed in the dignity of work, he spent a decade at Safeway in Huntington before returning to his roots in Arkansas. There, he dedicated two decades of service to the Little Rock Country Club.

Yusaf leaves to cherish his memory his children, Stephanie Dickerson Hervey, Rufus Dickerson, Jr. (Consuleo), Leonard Dickerson, Anthony Dickerson, Sophia Johnson (Kennth), Angela Dickerson Jones, Issac Dickerson, Latundra Carter, Talaynis Dickerson, Torrence Dickerson, Shamari Pasha, Khaleelah Pasha, Zarita Pasha, Tamara Dickerson, Constance Skriblett, Ladon Skriblett, Scharday Hilton, James Dickerson and Taylor Pasha, brother, Leroy Dickerson (Lorraine), sister Irene Dickerson Adams, two hundred and five grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He also leaves behind a community of friends and extended family members who will forever remember his strength, his history, and his unwavering spirit.

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