Col. Joe Weldon Nix

Joe Weldon Nix, 74, affectionately known as “Col Nix” by a generation of Georgetown High School students, died November 15 at his home. A native Texan originally from Vernon, he grew up poor but realized early on that with education, hard work and drive he could accomplish any dream. He attended Midwestern University, Texas Tech, University of Southern Mississippi and Columbia Pacific University, receiving degrees along the way culminating with the completion of his doctorate. He taught at Texas Tech University, Lubbock ISD, Park College and Georgetown ISD. Joe joined the Air Force in 1963 and served 21 years in a variety of interesting jobs…Squadron Commander, Recruiting Service, Attaché Duty in Pakistan, Director of the Air Force Administration School, and Executive Officer to Commanding Generals in Korea, Barksdale AFB and Bergstrom AFB. He retired in 1984 and went back into teaching. From 1984 to 2000, he taught Biology, opened the first Challenge Center for delinquent students and was Principal for discipline and truancy at Georgetown High School . When the students could run faster than him, he retired and began a new career. Woodworking, which had been a lifelong hobby, became his new area of expertise. As with everything he accomplished, he read, studied and perfected his skills. He restored, refinished, and built beautiful pieces of furniture. He even built an outhouse as an anniversary gift and placed it along with his restored windmill and gas pump on his multi-acre property in the western portion of Georgetown. The country environment reminded him of his roots as a farm laborer’s child. He was always generous with his time and the knowledge he acquired from continuously reading and studying . He volunteered at the Caring Place, Police Department, and did tax preparation at the Library each spring. He restored and refinished furniture free of charge for friends, neighbors, family and even new acquaintances. He also counseled families on finances and life skills free of charge. Married for 51 years, which he claimed was all of his life, he is survived by his wife, Linda, daughter, Sheryl of Dallas and son, David of Coppell and three grandchildren, Kaitlin, Parker and Haley. His greatest legacy is a sense of humor, dedication to integrity and his philosophy that “Nothing changes, if nothing changes” Joe Nix will be remembered for his passion, creativity and capacity to serve his country, community and family. He will be deeply missed, but not forgotten. There will be a private family burial ceremony at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen and later a Celebration Memorial at the Georgetown Public Library on December 15 from 1:00 -3:00 pm. To those who wish to remember the Colonel , a donation in his name would be appreciated at either The Caring Place or the Georgetown Public Library.