William Dixson, Jr

Colonel W.L. (Bill) Dixson (Ret., U.S.A.F.), died peacefully at his residence at OakBridge Terrace, Azalea Trace, Pensacola Florida, on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. He was 93. William Lee Dixson was born September 28, 1917 to William Lee and Gertrude Knight Dixson in Jacksonville, FL. He graduated from New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N.C. He joined Army Air Corps December 8, 1942. He devoted a full career to the U.S. Air Force, serving as a pilot in Europe during WWII, and in Korea and Vietnam. He flew B-17's as a navigator with the 8th Air Force. He was a highly respected and decorated officer. He was commissioned as a full Colonel prior to his retirement in 1966. He was later controller of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, N.C., until his military retirement, after which he worked briefly as City Manager of Goldsboro. His wife, Eleanor Dixson, predeceased him in 1976. Colonel Dixson and Julia Bizzell Robinson of Clinton, N.C., married in August, 1977. They enjoyed a home at Pine Knoll Shores (Morehead City) prior to moving to Azalea Trace in 1986, where 23 additional years there have been filled fellowship, friendships, travel, and visits with family. Bill Dixson is survived by daughter Gail Spencer (Jesse Moore) of Coats, N.C., grandson Michael Spencer (Michele) and great-granddaughters Morgan and Marley of Cary; and Lee Spencer (fiancée Christine VanOver) of Garner; and also by Bizzell Dixson's children, Holt Robinson (Helyn) of Gastonia; Stewart Robinson of Elizabeth City; and Anne R. Hodges (Madison) of Tallahassee, FL. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the community of health care providers at OakBridge Terrace, Azalea Trace, and to his Covenant Hospice team: for their care, respect, and kindness, all lovingly administered with professionalism during his residency since 2007, and most recently during his last weeks of life. Their efforts have been truly extraordinary. Memorials may be designated to American Red Cross (Military Services); Trinity Presbyterian Church, Pensacola, FL; or Azalea Trace Foundation; or Covenant Hospice, Pensacola, FL. Rose Lawn Funeral Home of Gulf Breeze is in charge of arrangements. You may express condolences, share memories and sign the guestbook at www.roselawn-fh.com

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