William Robert "Bill" Dixon

William Robert “Bill” Dixon, age 84, passed away June2, 2014, at his home in Bay Minette, Alabama. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Edna Kirksey-Dixon. Sons: Christopher (Deedie), Robert (Karen), Frank (Marcella) and daughter, Debra Jones (Luell). Seven Grandchildren, a large extended family and many friends.

Bill was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on September 19, 1929. He was adopted when he was three hours old by Gilbert and Minnie Dixon. Bill served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He retired from the Civil Service having worked for the Post Office in both Fort Smith and Dallas for many years. He was a 100% blind and deaf Veteran. Bill and his wife, Edna were very active in the Blinded Veterans Association – on both a National and local level. He was a Life Time member of the Blind Veterans.

Bill was a 32 degree Mason and felt great honor in this organization. He was the first totally blind man to be accepted and earn his Master Mason Certificate.

He was a remarkable man: He enjoyed snow skiing, white water rafting, golf, snorkeling, and riding a tandem bike with his daughter. All of these were accomplished after he was well over 60 years of age and he earned an Associate Degree from Richland College in Dallas, Texas. He always had words of wisdom or a joke that he was willing to share even if the person receiving the wisdom wasn’t ready for it. Others might say his humor was odd, but that only made him more unique and interesting to share a moment in time with.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Blinded Veterans Association. Cards and notes of what Bill meant to your life will be appreciated.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Fentress Mortuary on Sunday, July 20,2014. Burial service will be at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on Monday morning at 10:00 am.