Liso Dixon

Liso Dixon was the sixth child born to the late Mattie Bell Kendrick-Dixon and Dallas Fletcher Dixon on August 3, 1936 in Minden, Louisiana. Even though there were several health issues monitored closely, his death was sudden and unexpected. Liso departed this life on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 6:30 A.M. at Regional Hospital in San Jose, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Beulo Dixon, Vera Lee Grosse, Mandy Bell Hunter, and

Theresa Thornton.

The Dixon family migrated to Richmond, CA in 1943. As a very young boy, Liso attended North Richmond Missionary Baptist Church. His entire school history was completed in Richmond, CA, graduating from Richmond Union High School (RUHS) in June 1955. He loved sports, especially basketball. He was a RUHS Oiler forward on the varsity team and received his Letter, Blanket and trophies for his achievements. He also ran track, specializing in hurdles and he played basketball and baseball for Mr. Charlie Reed at Shield’s Park in Richmond. He was a powerful left handed batter. Liso attended Contra Costa Junior College in 1956 where he starred in basketball, located at that time in West Richmond off Cutting Boulevard.

Liso absolutely had a contagious gift for laughter and life. He was a delight to those with whom he came in contact and his friendships lasted a lifetime. He worked at the Naval Supply in Oakland, CA in 1956 as a part-time employee while attending the junior college. On September 23, 1958 he was hired by Ford Motor Company (FMC), located in Milpitas, CA, as an assembly line worker. The Milpitas plant closed in 1982.

Liso married Dorothy Mae Harris on May 22, 1960 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Richmond, CA, officiated by the late Reverend A. H. Newman. To this union three children were born: Darrell Lee Dixon (Shanda Venai) of Pearland, TX, Lisa Michelle Dixon of San Jose, CA and Gabriel Damion Dixon of Hayward, CA. As the children grew up and entered the sports arena, Liso followed them in their adventures and taught them his skilled techniques in both basketball and baseball. Many of the nephews will remember their Uncle Liso in attendance at their games or taking them to professional baseball/basketball games. Of course Lisa Michelle wouldn’t be left out.

In 1985 Liso began his employment with Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) as a custodian at Joseph Weller Elementary School. The staff honored him with the Certificate of Recognition for his accomplishments and “The Teachers’ Gift” in 1987. He officially entered retirement life in 1991 from FMC and 1992 from MUSD.

Liso and Dorothy celebrated 55 years of marriage. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory and mourn his passing his wife, children, four grandchildren: Myles Everett Dixon, Blair Danielle Dixon, Drew Avery Dixon and Gabrielle Joy Dixon; four brothers: David Fletcher Dixon of Milpitas, CA, Grover Cleveland Dixon, Sr. (Irma Dean) and Joe Edward Dixon of Richmond, CA and Joseph Dallas Dixon (Lula Mae) of San Pablo, CA; one sister: Queen Ester Dixon of Emeryville; brothers-in-law: D`Emanuel Grosse of Richmond, CA and Tyrone Wade of Fairfield, CA; sisters-in-law: Helen Faye Bryant (Benjamin) of Milpitas, CA and Beverly Ann Harris of Sacramento, CA; aunts: Ethel Brown of Richmond, CA and Sallie VanHook of Concord, CA, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Liso loved his family. He never ended a telephone call or personal contact with his children without a hug and “I love you”. During the last two years of his life, he would tell his wife everyday (sometimes several times a day) how much he loved her, and he considered the Baileys as his second family. Every connection between Liso and the Baileys was from the heartstrings.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The family of Liso Dixon is grateful to everyone for their many acts of kindness. If you sent a card, said a prayer, served or sent a meal or simply sat in our presence during this time, we appreciate all your gifts of love.