Shawn Nixon

Shawn is survived by his ex-wife, Rachel Nixon; daughter, Violet Nixon; and son, Warren Nixon. He is also survived by his stepfather, James Rice; sister, Briggett Wideman (Steve); brother, Duane Nixon; aunt, Ann Nixon; uncle, David Nixon; nieces, Marrisa Greenwood (Gene) and Morgan Wideman; great-niece, Bayleigh Greenwood; and great-nephew, Axl Greenwood. Shawn was predeceased by his mother, Joyce Rice, and father, James Nixon.

A visitation will be held at Gray Brown-Service Mortuary, located at 1329 Wilmer Ave, Anniston, AL, on November 29, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Darrell Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow at Hall Cemetery in Lincoln, Al.

The Alabama Department of Conservation Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.

Shawn Nixon was always a man on a mission. In his early years, that mission was to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a game warden. To help him achieve his goal, as soon as Shawn graduated from Lincoln High School, he enrolled in the Wildlife Science Program at Auburn University. After graduating from Auburn with a Bachelor of Science degree, Shawn applied to the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, hoping to be hired as a game warden. Shawn’s dream was realized in 2012 when he was assigned to Shelby County as their new conservation enforcement officer. Now that he was a game warden, the mission changed to becoming the very best game warden. Even though Shawn was new to the world of law enforcement, his work ethic, desire to excel, and knowledge of the outdoors quickly gained him the respect of the hunting and fishing public and the admiration of his fellow officers. Due to his first-hand knowledge of the natural world, seasoned officers routinely sought his advice, younger officers were sent to work with him, and when the department started a field training program, Shawn was selected to train many of their new hires. He also became a firearms instructor, demonstrating the trust the department had in his ability. His performance in the field was no less impressive, resulting in his being nominated for an unprecedented 14 officer-of-the-year awards, ultimately being named the 2024 Shikar Safari Officer of the Year. He also received an award from PALS, People Against a Littered State, for tracking down and arresting those responsible for dumping commercial loads of garbage on the Cahaba WMA.

Into every life some rain must fall, and, in this regard, Shawn Nixon was no exception. But, both in body and in spirit, Shawn Nixon was a man built to bear a heavy load. Some of the storms Shawn faced were severe, storms that may have crushed a lesser man, but in the end, each departed with Shawn still standing, somehow stronger than before. Through steadfast determination, persistent resolve, and unswerving commitment to his goal, Shawn Nixon did indeed fulfill his self-imposed mission to become one of the best game wardens the state of Alabama has ever seen. Along the way, he also became the epitome of a loving father, a loyal friend, and a dedicated public servant whose unique combination of intelligence and mischievousness kept everyone laughing, often at the expense of his closest friends.

Shawn Nixon was loved by all who worked with him, feared by those who would harm our natural resources, and respected by both. He was truly one of a kind, and his passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled.