Mr. James Earl “Sam” Dixon, age 84, a resident of Chesson Dixon Lane, Big Swamp Community, Washington died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, at his home.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, From the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, conducted by Steve Hill and Mark Lilley. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery.

The following will serve as pallbearers: Jerry Roberson, Kenny Roberson, Kirby Roberson, Anthony Fulcher, Doug Sullivan and Joel Moore. The following will serve as honorary pallbearers: Kenny Jones, Stewart Harris, Tommy Keech, David Gibbs, Don Cox, Walter O’Neal, Greg Jones and Buck Davis.

Mr. Dixon was born in Wilson County on June 14, 1935. He was the son of the late Leanier Dixon and Annie Tyer Dixon. Mr. Dixon worked as a line mechanic for 19 years at Burroughs Wellcome. Later, he worked at Moore Motor Company until his retirement.

Mr. Dixon had a love for traditional country music. He was an accomplished steel guitar player and was a member of the “Working Man Band.” Mr. Dixon loved fast cars. At one time, he was known to have the fastest car in Washington.

On Aug. 31, 1956, Mr. Dixon married the former Geraldine Chesson, who survives.

Surviving with his wife, Geraldine of 62 years, are his children, Debbie Dixon Gibbs (David), Teressa Dixon Parker (Wayne), Michael Dixon (Melisa) and Jay Dixon (Tammy), all of Washington; five grandchildren, Amy Cherry Voliva, Charles Cherry, Derrick Boyd, Matthew Dixon, Kelsey Padgett; four great-grandchildren, Trey, Emaleigh and Grayson Cherry, Mackenzie Voliva; two sisters, Margie Dixon McGowan, of Washington, Mildred Dixon Roberson, of Greensboro; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Dixon was preceded in death by two sisters, Mazell Reel and Lennie Marie Dixon; seven brothers, Ernest Elbert, Charlie J., Jay Bryan, Ezekiel Bill, Edward June, L.D., Jr., and Billy Curtis Dixon; half brother, Theodore Dixon; and half sister, Bernice Dixon.

The family would like to express their appreciation to April Bullock and the other staff members of Amedisys for their care which allowed him to remain home with his family.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the home his daughter, Teressa Dixon Parker, 1498 Avenue Road, Washington.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington is honored to serve the Dixon family.