Roger Drew Dimsdale

Roger Dimsdale, 83, of Waleska, Georgia passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024. Born in Atlanta to Myrtle and Parks Dimsdale, Roger grew up in the historic East Atlanta neighborhood of Cabbagetown. He graduated from Murphy High School, where he played football and participated in the marching band. As a child and teenager, he worked at his father’s hardware store on Peachtree Street. He went on to attend Georgia State University, earning a bachelor of fine arts. After working as a sign painter with his uncle, Roger became an art director at W.R. Bean and Son. He eventually landed at Higgins, McArthur, Longino & Porter, which later became Perry Communications. After several years as an art and creative director at HMLP, Roger opened Artline Graphics, Inc., a full-service graphic design shop, with his dear friend and business partner, Eileen Harrell, in 1974. For 40 years, they worked with such clients as Delta Airlines, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, Egleston Hospital and Suntrust, among many others. While Roger enjoyed working on projects past midnight, he found true joy in the bonds he made with his clients, keeping an open mind, giving them his full attention and never looking at his watch. Always flexible, he would often say, “There’s always another way to do it.” Roger had a way of connecting with just about everyone he met. He loved a good story, and he never ran out of quips or “Roger-isms” that added humor to any situation. Some of his go-to phrases included “mighty fine, mighty fine,” “I’m hangin’ on like a loose tooth,” and “It’s good to be seen,” in response to someone saying, “Good to see you.” Even in his final days, he managed to entertain his caregivers with his commentary, once telling his visitors, “This gal is my drug dealer,” speaking, of course, of the nurse who had just stopped in to give him his medicine. His rich, deep voice was unmistakable, and perhaps one of the things his family will miss the most. After Roger met and married his beautiful wife Carleen, he entered a phase of life that was rich with dogs, good food, good times and shooting the breeze with family and friends (and the occasional 4th of July fireworks). While living on Sherwood Road in Morningside, they adored their neighbors and made countless trips to the Ansley Mall Publix. A great cook, Roger used to advise his family, “You can always throw it away and start over.” This can-do, positive spirit carried over into everything Roger touched. After moving to Lake Arrowhead, Roger and Carleen enjoyed the peace of living on their quiet, wooded property, walking their dogs and sharing more fun times with neighbors and friends. One of Roger’s biggest joys came after his retirement, when he joined the Big Chicken Chorus and later the Atlanta Vocal Project. With AVP, he participated in numerous performances and competitions all over the country and made many cherished friendships. Roger was always happy to sing to anyone lucky enough to be nearby. Whether it was a holiday concert, a Valentine’s Day quartet or a performance for seniors at an assisted living community, Roger’s beautiful voice brought joy to many. Additionally, when he wasn’t singing, Roger loved to dance, and was a founding member of Shag Atlanta, often traveling out of town with Carleen for shag dance conventions and gatherings. Roger is predeceased by his beloved wife, Carleen Dimsdale; parents, Myrtle and Parks Dimsdale; and brother, Parks Dimsdale Jr. He is survived by his sister, Lynn Amis (Harvey); stepsons, Chase Hagerman (Denise), Heidt Hagerman and Cam Hagerman (Jiu); grandson, Ethan Hagerman; sister-in-law, Carol Watkins; nephews, Reverend Joel Amis (Zhenya) and Jarrod Amis; nieces, Traci Thomas and Temi Levy (Evan); great-nieces, Katherine Thomas, Annie Levy and Elisabeth Levy; and treasured friend and business partner, Eileen Harrell. The family also wishes to thank the caregivers and staff of Cameron Hall, who took excellent care of Carleen and Roger during their final months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Atlanta Humane Society or Cherokee County Animal Shelter.

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Roger Drew Dimsdale

May 31, 1941 - December 4, 2024