Thomas Dean Dixon
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Thomas Dean Dixon, 90, of Lavonia, Georgia, died on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021, at his Lavonia home, just after witnessing a magnificent sunset with his daughter.
Thomas was born July 28, 1930, in Charlotte, NC, to Willard Rodolph and Bertie Volina (Banks) Dixon.
He was graduated from Greenville Senior High School with the class of 1948. Thomas continued his education at Furman University but paused his degree program to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. He served as an Electronics & Radar Repair Technician during the Korean Conflict in various postings but primarily on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He returned to Furman after his enlistment, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor's degree in Business and Accounting. It was at Furman that Thomas met Virginia "Ginger" Dixon (Coleman) of Cross Hill, SC, the love of his life and wife for 60 years.
In his career, Thomas served with Milliken and Company from 1960-1995 assigned to textile plants in Greenville and Abbeville, SC; Manchester and Avalon, GA, and at the Corporate Office in Spartanburg, SC. He enjoyed his time at Milliken because of the people he met, the high-level training and travel.
Thomas was listed on the 'cradle roll' at Sans Souci Baptist Church in Sans Souci, SC, beginning his Church membership record that included Bethuel Baptist and Pendleton Street; Greenville; First Baptist Anchorage, Alaska; First Baptist Travelers Rest; West Gantt Baptist; Manchester First Baptist; Abbeville First Baptist; and for 47 years at First Baptist of Lavonia, GA. He served as a Deacon, Men's Sunday School teacher, 'Terrific Tuesday' and Youth Mission Trip Bus Driver as well as a faithful member. He also loved Church music in voice or instrument.
Thomas enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and driving through the Georgia/South Carolina countryside discovering and commemorating his family roots in the farmsteads and church cemeteries of the region. He traveled with his daughter for many years to State Parks and Historic Sites. He was an avid gardener with a green thumb and a keen collector of family history and lineage and eager to share both interests with friends, family or anyone who asked. He continued learning even into his 80s and at 90, most recently graduating with a certificate from Mother Earth News Fair Online: Polyface Farm Tour. He never missed a day spending time in Bible study and talking in Prayer with his Savior. He enjoyed studying scriptures and thinking on how the New Testament is shaped by the Old Testament.
He is survived by his daughter Rev. Rebecca Dixon of the home, son Timothy Dixon, Colonel, US Army (Retired) (Irmgard) of Travelers Rest, SC; his granddaughter Theresa Dixon of Washington, DC and grandson Daniel Dixon (Kirsty) as well as three great grandchildren Nathan, Evie and Ada, of Marquette, MI; his brother J. Rodolph Dixon of Casey, SC; and many beloved cousins.
He is predeceased by his wife, his parents, his sister Bertie Volina Roper (Earle), and his sister Martha Jane Godshall.
Memorials can be made to Furman University -- Shi Center for Sustainability, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613 or Lavonia First Baptist Church, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Mission Offering, 95 Bowman Street, Lavonia, GA 30553.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 on April 10, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Lavonia. Officiants will be Rev Dr. Larry Finger and Rev Rodolph Dixon. Burial service to follow at a later date at Greenville Memorial Gardens. To sign the online guest register and leave personal condolences to the family, please visit stricklandfh.com.
Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements.