Dixon, Samuel Oscar “Papaw” - age 92, of Knoxville, died June 9 at the family home. He was born March 25, 1922 in Montague County, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67-and-a-half years, Edna Marie Dixon; parents, Pinkney Arthur Dixon and Mary Etta McMahan Dixon; brothers, Homer, Rex, Robert, and Rufus; sisters, Lee Valentine, Nora Evans, and Sue Lowe.
He is survived by sons, Jack Dixon and wife, Frances, Rick Dixon and wife, Cathy; former daughter-in-law, Sharon Tipton; grandsons, Matthew Dixon, and Ricky Dixon and wife, Heather; great-granddaughter, Natalie Marie Dixon; former granddaughter-in-law, Tina Cooper Dixon; great-grandson, Jacob Cooper Dixon; brothers-in-law, Earl Ledford, Charles Lowe and wife, Wanda; sister-in-law, Mabel Dixon, all of Knoxville; several cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.
After graduating from DeQueen (Arkansas) High School in 1941, Oscar joined the United States Marine Corps. He served in the 3rd Marine Division, fighting in the Pacific campaign at Guam, Iwo Jima, and Peleliu. He worked at ALCOA for nearly 40 years, before retiring as a foreman in 1983. A member of Third Creek Baptist Church since 1949, Oscar served many roles in the church, including Deacon, Trustee and Treasurer. He also taught Sunday school there for 57 years. During their marriage, Oscar and Marie loved traveling. They visited all 50 states and followed the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team on the road with Knoxville Tours whenever possible. They were also frequent visitors to Dollywood and walked at West Town Mall nearly every weekday morning, where they made numerous friends. Oscar devoted much of his time in recent years to taking care of Marie, who had developed Alzheimer’s, until her death in July, 2013. The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to his niece and caregiver, Linda Valentine, and neighbors, Doris Sharp and Karla Beegle, Dr. James Carlson, Dr. George Krisle, Dr. Richard Grapski and their staffs for excellent care through the years, as well as special appreciation to Amedisys Home Health and Right At Home Care for their invaluable service in recent months. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 11, at Weaver Funeral Home from 5-7 pm with the service to follow. Dr. Rodney Duncan presiding. Interment with full military honors will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery at 1 pm Thursday , June 12. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.weaverfuneralservices.com
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