The F.H. Dicks Company of Barnwell, South Carolina began growing and selling watermelon in 1935. During the same time period, Mr. Dicks operated as the merchant of the General Store of Dunbarton, South Carolina and was elected to serve as Mayor of the town in 1951.

F.H. Dicks, Jr. served as the President of the National Watermelon Association from 1962-63 and also served for several years on the Executive Committee. He was also President of the South Carolina Watermelon Association.

His company still stands today in Barnwell, South Carolina as one of the largest watermelon growers, shippers and green house operators in South Carolina.