Robert H. “Bobby” Dix, Sr, 86, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held 11 AM, Friday, June 17, 2016, at the Ocilla United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jay Roberson officiating. Interment will follow in the Ocilla Cemetery. The family will receive friends 6-8 Thursday evening at the funeral home in Ocilla.
Mr. Dix, the seventh son of a seventh son, was born March 5, 1930, in Irwin County, Georgia, the baby of 13 children, to the late Eddie G. & Maude Estes Martin Dix. He lived in the community all of his life and retired from the United States Post Office after 30 years of service as a retail clerk as well as running a route. He was a longtime farmer who enjoyed working the land for his wife and sons to harvest. Mr. Dix was one of only a few farmers in Georgia allowed to produce Vidalia onions. He was named the Irwin County Farmer of the Year by being awarded the J.E. Leger Agribusiness Award at the 2015 Sweet Potato Festival. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed the outdoors. He was a great supporter of youth sports and was one of the founders of what is today’s Irwin County Recreation program. A member and Past Master of Ocilla Lodge #134 F.&A.M. for over 50 years, Mr. Dix was also a Shriner. He was an active member of Ocilla United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and served as a scoutmaster for the church sponsored Scout Troop #832. He was a past president of the Men’s Club and provided the fish for the annual fish fry benefiting the children’s ministry at the church.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Vida Hudson Dix of Ocilla; three sons: Eddie McKinley Dix & Karen of Ocilla, Robert H. “Robbie” Dix, Jr. & Indira Dix of Ocilla and Alex Richard Dix & Michelle of Ocilla; grandchildren: Cory M. Dix & Payton, Raye Dix Harper & Charlie, Daniel Dix & Cambria, Tyler Dix, Kate Dix, and Beau Dix; step-grandchildren: Amanda Powell & Nick, Alan Rowe, Adam Rowe, Kayla Thornton & Robert, Jennifer Smith, and Jeremy Smith & Candice; 21 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Frances Wynn of Tifton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eleven brothers and sisters; and a granddaughter: Sara Elizabeth Dix.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to the Ocilla United Methodist Church, Youth Fund, P.O. Box 61, Ocilla, GA 31774.