Basil Hugh Hixson Jr.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Basil Hugh Hixson, Jr. died unexpectedly on August 16, 2016 after suffering a massive stroke. Born February 20, 1939 to Basil Hugh and Minnie Turner Hixson, Hugh grew up in Newport, TN, graduating from Cocke County High where he was valedictorian. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he earned his B.S. in engineering and was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity. Soon after graduation he married Janice Dorsey and they moved to Atlanta, GA, where both their children were born. Employed by Lockheed Corporation, he also studied at Georgia State University, earning his MBA. After five years, the couple returned to Tennessee, and Mr. Hixson spent the remainder of his career at TVA and Bechtel Jacobs, Inc. in Oak Ridge, subsequently retiring from both companies.

Hugh was a skilled “handy man” who could repair almost anything. His son said he didn’t realize that workmen could be hired to do home improvements and repairs until he was nearly grown! This past summer, Hugh devoted many days’ labor, preparing furniture pieces for his granddaughter, Jessica, to take to graduate school at UCLA. His other granddaughter, Joanna, happily assisted her “Papa” with these woodworking projects, learning many of the skills he had to teach. It was a memorable summer for both girls. Meanwhile, Hugh was most proud of his grandson, Avery, who is studying engineering “just like his Papa.”

Hugh was a faithful member of Church Street United Methodist Church, where he served in numerous capacities, such as Lay Leader, Chair of the Staff-Parish Relations, Properties, Church Council, and many other important committees. He helped found the Cornerstone Sunday School Class for young married couples and in recent years was a dedicated member of the Epworth Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janice Dorsey Hixson; son Wesley Hugh Hixson; daughter Katie Logan (Troy); granddaughters Jessica Kate Logan and Joanna Marie Logan; grandson Avery Hugh Hixson of NC; sister, Sue Ella Hixson Brown of St. Augustine, FL; and several nephews and nieces. Hugh had a host of special friends who will miss him greatly. He was always available to help anyone who needed assistance and was ready to share freely of his vast knowledge. As someone said of him not long ago: He lived a life that mattered.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church Street UMC, 900 Henley Street on Saturday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Richard C. Looney and Reverend Dr. Jan Wade officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in The Commons Room of the Church Life Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in Hugh’s memory be directed to the CSUMC Building Renovation Fund, P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, TN 37901.

Please visit www.berrylynnhurst.com to leave condolences for the family.

Please visit www.berrylynnhurst.com to leave condolences for the family.