Born in Norwich, CT in 1933, to E. Pauline and Leon Elder Dix, Paul spent 30 years of his life in service to his country in the United States Navy. Enlisting at age 17, Paul began his time in the Navy as a sailor aboard the USS Midway, but spent the majority of his naval career in submarines, completing Submarine School in 1952, Naval Nuclear Power Training in 1955, and serving while enlisted aboard the USS Grouper and USS Seawolf.
Following his commissioning in 1961, Paul completed Naval School Diving and Salvage in 1965. Paul served as the Officer in Charge aboard the U.S.S. X-1 research submarine out of Naval Station Annapolis from 1968 to 1971. Paul also served aboard the USS Irex, the USS Sirago, and the USS Ortolan, in addition to several postings throughout the country, including serving as the Executive Officer of Submarine Base San Diego, CA from 1976 to 1978, and Commanding Officer of the Naval Damage Control Training Center in Philadelphia, PA from 1978 to 1980. Having served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and throughout the Cold War, Paul retired as a Commander in 1980.
Paul was an active member of the Fleet Reserve Association for over 50 years, serving in many roles including President of Branch 24 in Annapolis in 1991, and as Regional President – East Coast in 1994/1995. Paul was also a member of American Legion Post 7 in Crownsville, MD, as well as a charter member and life member of Elks Lodge 2163 in Groton, Ct.
Following his naval career, Paul entered the civilian nuclear power industry in 1983 as the Material Manager at Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Forked River, NJ. Paul spent five years at Oyster Creek before settling down in Annapolis and starting his own marine services company, Dolphin Marine Enterprises, in 1988, and later receiving his 100 ton US Coast Guard Captain’s License in 1993.
After 15 years of yacht deliveries, professional captaining, and consulting with new or prospective yacht owners, Paul retired in 2003 to travel and spend more time with family and friends. A dedicated Ravens fan, Paul enjoyed barbecuing, meticulously maintaining his yard, and spending time on the water whenever possible, especially during his time as owner of the sailing vessel Mustang, long an institution at the City Dock in Annapolis. He also greatly enjoyed time spent traveling up and down the East Coast with his wife of 22 years, Helen Ann Dix, nee Lewnes, to visit his children and grandchildren.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert. He is survived by his wife; sister-in-law Anita Dix of Lindenwold, NJ; daughter Karen Alvey (Christopher) of Lusby, MD; daughter Pamela Chirico of Jacksonville Beach, FL; son Kevin Dix of Greenfield, MA; step-daughter Anita McPherson (Robert) of San Rafael, CA; step-son David Ryker of Annapolis, MD; granddaughter Lindsay Alvey; and grandsons Zachary Chirico, Jason Alvey, and Benjamin Knight. In addition to his immediate family, Paul will be missed by his extended family members, as well as his many friends and shipmates.
Visitation will be on June 14th from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home in Annapolis, with a memorial service to follow at the funeral home on June 15th at 10:00am and burial with military honors to follow at 11:30am at the Crownsville Veterans’ Cemetery. (Those that are attending, the family requests that you please wear a mask). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s memory to the American Heart Association.
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