Obituary: William David Dixon

LEXINGTON William David Dixon, 62, died September 14, 2012, after a long illness. Known as "Bill" to his friends, he was the eldest son of Lester and Ruth Dixon. He was a native South Carolinian and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1985. In the Air Force, he worked as a maintenance scheduling technician and reciprocating propulsion technician. He was a Viet Nam veteran, stationed at Pleiku AFB, Thailand and Phan Rang AFB, Viet Nam, during that conflict. He received numerous commendations, including the Air Force Commendation medal; the AF Outstanding Unit Award; The AF Good Conduct medal; the National Defense Service medal; the Viet Nam Service medal; the Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross and the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign medal. He also held stations at Colorado Springs, CO, Panama City, FL and Shaw AFB, South Carolina. After leaving the Air Force, he worked in the South Carolina Department of Corrections as a corrections officer.

Airplanes and flying were the enduring passions of his life, and for many years he pursued this passion by building and flying radio operated planes. He was a member and past president of the Congaree Flyers Club, and traveled throughout the southeast with his friends, sharing his love of flying with young and old alike. He was a gentle giant of a man who lived a life of quiet service to his country, loved his family, and had a soft spot for animals.

Preceded in death by his beloved mother and father, he is survived by brother Robert (Frank) Dixon of Columbia and sisters Frances (Steve) Glover of Lexington, and Anna Dixon of St. Petersburg, FL; nieces Erin and Rachel Glover, nephew Paul Glover, and many loving cousins throughout South Carolina and Georgia. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the many nurses, doctors, cna's and other healthcare workers who cared for our brother over the years. We also thank the staff at Heartland for their care of our brother.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 4 p.m. at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. Family will receive friends at 3:30 p.m. prior to the service.