Gary Eldon Dixon

November 6, 1944 - February 2, 2017

Heaven gave him to us on November 6th, 1944, and called him home on February 2nd, 2017. His 72 years was a lifetime full of service, adventure, friendship, and love. Born in Washington, DC to Elmer and Gladys Dixon, he grew up in Mullens with big sister Jean (Sam) O'Neal, baby sisters Sheila Weathersbee and Judy McGraw, and baby brother John (Marsha) Dixon. As a young man, he served his country for 4 years in the US Navy aboard the USS Francis Marion. In 1967, he returned home to meet and marry the love of his life, Carol Reed. Their life-long honeymoon gave them three daughters: Monica, Deonna (Jeff) Cook, and Amanda (Andy) Gwinn. He continued to serve the town he loved in many capacities. He served as both president and vice-president of the Upper Guyandotte Watershed Association. He served as a Mullens City Commissioner for 4 years during which time he assembled volunteers to repair and refurbish beloved parts of the community such as the Mullens Hill Playground and Tater Hill. He also founded the Veterans Memorial in Mullens, and served as the Commander of Post 106 of the American Legion. During the Great Flood of 2001, he served his community by helping rescue stranded neighbors by boat in treacherous flood waters. A beloved friend and neighbor to so many, his generosity knew no bounds. His hobbies included leather working, woodworking, trout fishing, back packing, building rock walls, and gun trading. His greatest legacy by far is as hero to his six grand children: Grandsons Tyler and Tanner Cook and Seth Gwinn, and Granddaughters Chandler and Logan Wells and Hannah Gwinn, and his great granddaughter, Ayrianna Jade Cook. Services will be 12 Noon, Monday, February 6th, 2017 at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, Mullens with Pastor Anthony Bailey officiating. Military rites will be bestowed at the Veterans Memorial before a brief graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home. Everyone is invited to join his family Monday at 4:00 pm at the fellowship hall at the First Church of God in South Mullens as we celebrate his precious life with fellowship, laughter, memories, and love. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tankersleyfh.com. The family of Gary Dixon is being cared for by Tankersley Funeral Home, Mullens.