Roy Glenn “Jabo” Dixon Sr.
Published 8:11 pm Friday, December 11, 2015
ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. — Roy Glenn “Jabo” Dixon Sr., 79, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015. Roy was born in Whitakers, North Carolina, and was a longtime resident of Roanoke Rapids.
Roy G. Dixon Sr.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Fannie Nicholson Dixon, father, Roy Oscar Dixon, and brother, Elmo Gene Dixon.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Janet Ray Dixon; four children, Paige Dixon Reeder and her husband, Leonard, of Clemmons, North Carolina; Roy Glenn Dixon Jr. and his wife, Beth, of Salisbury, North Carolina; Angela Dixon Mincher of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and Cheryl Atkins and her husband, Jim, of Atlanta, Georgia; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Mr. Dixon graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School in 1954, attended North Carolina State University and joined the Navy.
He married his wife in 1958 and worked for Union Camp for 35 years, rising from mechanic helper to superintendent of the instrument department. He retired in 1992, at which time he and his wife became regular supporters of all local restaurants in the community.
A jack of all trades, his second career was serving as the “maintenance man” for Dixon Realty although he desired to be the CEO, CFO and COO or any other “C,” but Mrs. Dixon already had those titles taken.
Golf was his true passion. Mr. Dixon could be found regularly competing on the golf course. He was the winner of several club championships, member-guest tournaments and plenty of side bets. Known as being thrifty throughout his life, those who competed against him on the course knew how difficult it was to win a dollar from him. Possessing a very unique swing, other golfers were often warned not to watch. He, however, found a way to get it in the hole. In his later years, he regularly “shot his age” or better.
An active member of the community, he volunteered with Crimestoppers, C.O.P. and AMVETS.
He was a regular contributor to the editorial page and had an adventurous spirit, skydiving, bungee jumping and traveling.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Crimestoppers of Halifax County, PO Box 123, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.
The family will be receiving visitors at Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service at 1015 W. 5th St., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870, on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 2-4 p.m. to celebrate Mr. Dixon’s life.