William Alexander “Bill” Dixon ’50

William Alexander “Bill” Dixon ’50, of Belmont, N.C., died April 3, 2007. He served in the U.S. Army from July 1945 to January 1947. Upon discharge, he entered Davidson and received a B.S. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, he joined his father in Dixon Oil Company. In 1959 he began a real estate business, working as a broker, home builder, land developer, and appraiser, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the Gaston Board of Realtors, serving as president in 1964 and 1965; he was a member of the Charlotte Chapter of The Society of Real Estate Appraisers and the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers. He was active in civic affairs as a member of the Belmont Rotary Club serving as president in 1959, a founding member of the Belmont Chamber of Commerce serving as president in 1967, and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 2005. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Belmont, where he served in various positions including twenty-three years as an active elder; clerk of session and Stephen Minister; he was presented the Educator of the Year award in 1984. He served as Scoutmaster from 1950-59; he also served as district and council chairman of leadership training and in 1965, was awarded the Silver Beaver from Piedmont Council for outstanding service to boyhood. He was active in Habitat for Humanity, serving as president of the Belmont Satellite for seven years and thereafter as construction coordinator. In 1996, he was designated as the American Legion’s Outstanding Citizen for his work in Habitat. His hobbies included wood carving and gardening. Bill was a devout Christian who loved his family and church. Survivors include his wife of fifty-six years, Carol Dixon, 123 Crossing Avenue, Belmont, N.C. 28012-9514, and daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Richard Rhoderick of Raleigh, Carol Ann and Bob Strain of Charlotte, and Robin and Mike Sparrow of Greensboro. He was known as “DeeDee” to his grandchildren, Amy Lynn, Laura Ann and Will Rhoderick, Jill and Jamie Sparrow, and Chris Strain. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephew, cousins and countless friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Dixon was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Dixon Brice.