William Robert “Bill” Dixon, 84, passed away June 2, 2014 at his home in Bay Minette.
He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Edna Kirksey-Dixon; sons, Christopher (Deedie), Robert (Karen) and Frank (Marcella); daughter, Debra Jones (Luell); stepsons, Mickey (Jerrie) and Tommy (Robin) Kirksey; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a large extended family and many friends.
Bill was born in Fort Smith, Ark. on Sept. 19, 1929. He was adopted when he was three hours old by Gilbert and Minnie Dixon.
Bill served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He retired from the civil service, having worked for the Post Office in both Fort Smith and Dallas for many years.
He was a 100 percent blind and deaf veteran.
Bill and his wife, Edna, were very active in the Blinded Veterans Association — on both a national and local level. He was a lifetime member of the Blind Veterans.
Bill was a 32-degree Mason and felt great honor in this organization. He was the first totally blind man to be accepted and earn his Master Mason certificate.
He was a remarkable man. He enjoyed snow-skiing, whitewater rafting, golf, snorkeling and riding a tandem bike with his daughter. All of these were accomplished after he was well over 60 years of age, and he earned an associate degree from Richland College in Dallas.
He always had words of wisdom, or a joke that he was willing to share, even if the person receiving the wisdom wasn’t ready for it. Others might say his humor was odd, but that only made him more unique and interesting to share a moment in time with.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice or the Blinded Veterans.
Cards and notes of what Bill meant to your life will be appreciated.
Visitation will be June 5, 2014, from 6 until 7:30 p.m., with a short service at 7:30 at Norris Funeral Home in Bay Minette.
Arrangements by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette.
