Tuesday, July 2, 2024
James Dixon, age 100, passed away on Friday, May 24,2024, in Gatesville.
Celebration of Life services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 27, at Grace Bible Church, with the Rev. Dr. Buddy Wheat officiating. Private family interment will be held at Restland Cemetery.
James Alvis Dixon was born on Oct. 3, 1923, in the Cold Spring community of Coryell County to the late Alvis and Vida Tippit Dixon He was the eldest of six children and attended Flat schools. At the age of 17, James was baptized into the Baptist faith by his uncle Ollie Williams. He entered the Army Air Force in 1943 and served in the European Theater. He was discharged in 1945 and returned home from the war and married the love of his life, Allene Fischer. James worked for Probil Tire Company before he and his brother Joe built a small grocery store. Later, James and his cousin Burl Watts opened Watts and Dixon Wholesale Meats where he spent 10 years. Subsequently, he opened Dixon Lumber Yard on Hwy 36 where he spent 30 years helping people build their new homes in Bell and Coryell counties. James was known for his storytelling and deep knowledge of Coryell County's history. He was always smiling and cherished his family and community.
James was a member of First Baptist Church of Gatesville for over 50 years where he served on various boards. He served as a Trustee for the Gatesville Independent School District for nine years. Additionally, he was a 75-year member of Gatesville Masonic Lodge #197, Maples Lodge #791 A.F. & A.M., Waco Scottish Rite, and Karem Shrine.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alvis and Vida Dixon; sister, Birdie Fay Higgins; and a brother, Joe Dixon.
James is survived by his wife of 78 years, Allene Dixon; three children, Ronald Dixon and wife, Sue, Pam Ray and husband, Hap, Kim Dahl and husband, Kenneth; brother, Jackie Dixon and wife, Jeanette; sister, Patsy Palmer; grandchildren, Julie Dixon, Haley Laskowski and husband, Brad, Cliff Ray and wife, Carrie, Greg Ray, Mitch Dahl, Miles Dahl and wife, Natasha, along with nine precious great-grandchildren. James will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to Coryell Health, 1507 West Main Street, Gatesville, TX 76528.
