OXFORD:
Otis Jefferson Dixon, 90, of Oxford, North Carolina, son of the late Thomas Jefferson Dixon and the late Minnie Gentry Dixon Huff and beloved husband and best friend of Mildred Huff Dixon for 72 years, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2014, surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for, and loved.
Otis was a long-time resident of northern Granville County, excluding his service in the Navy during World War II. He served aboard destroyer escort USS Clarence L. Evans providing convoy escort in the North Atlantic.
Otis was a farmer and renowned sportsman. He taught many young men and woman to hunt and fish and remained close friends with them throughout his life.
Otis is survived by his wife, Mildred Huff Dixon; his daughter, LaVerne Dixon Pope, and her husband, Phil Pope, of Oxford, North Carolina; his grandchildren Heather Pope Turner and her husband, Scott Turner, of Montclair, Virginia, and April Pope Cannady of Clinton, North Carolina; and his great-grandchildren Chandler Fryar, Carlon Cannady, Laurie Turner and Baby Boy Turner, yet to be born. He is also survived by four siblings, Doris (Vance) Russ, Lawrence (Shelby) Dixon, Shirley (Sidney) Dean and Margie Melton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Dixon Jr.; a sister, Faye Dixon; and a granddaughter, Carlotta Pope Fryar.
The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the staff of the VA Medical Center Durham and especially to his faithful caregiver, Jennie Wilson. Their dedication and effort to provide quality care over many years were a heartwarming blessing to the entire family. We thank God for the gift of his life and the blessing of the additional time we got to spend with him because of their care.
A funeral service honoring Otis will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2014 at 3 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, Oxford, North Carolina. Visitation will be at 2:30 p.m., prior to service. There will be a reception following the service at the home of Phil and LaVerne Pope, 213 College Street, Oxford. Reverends Lori Cox and Jack Ruth will officiate. In honor of Otis, memorial contributions can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, C/O Josephine Huff, 6622 Old Roxboro Road, Oxford, NC 27565. The Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home is caring for the arrangements.
Billie Jean Hobgood
Dear Laverne,
Just a note to express what fond memories I have of your Dad & Mom while I was growing up at Trinity Methodist Church and in Berea. There was always all the ice cream I wanted after every other Sunday lunch at your house! And I say “every other” Sunday because I had to take turns with my sister Cynthia. When it was not my turn, I would just go with Leona then. When a parent leaves this earth, it does change the “face” of our life. And I just wanted to share with you that your Dad touched many lives, and in many ways. Wishing you many fond memories and smiles as you grieve the physical loss of your Dad, yet celebrate his life.
Blessings to you, your Mom, and your entire family,
Billie Jean Hobgood