J T Dixon

JT Dixon, 88, passed away on June 24 in Abilene. There will be a service for JT on Monday, July 2, at 10:00 am in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St with a private family graveside to follow. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 pm.

JT was born to Roy Lee Dixon and Lehman White Dixon on October 17, 1929 in Abilene. He grew up in Abilene and graduated from Abilene High School in 1947. After a year in the Air Force, he returned to Abilene and married the love of his life, Rena Lou Smith, on June 2, 1950. They recently celebrated 68 years of marriage with all of their family in attendance.

JT owned a Texaco service station in Abilene for several years, then joined the Abilene Fire Department in 1962. JT and his family moved to Durango, Colorado, in 1968, where they owned a trout ranch. In 1970, they returned to Abilene, where he worked for Bowman Painting Company. In 1973, he began working at Abilene Christian University in the maintenance department. Originally hired as a carpenter, he was promoted to maintenance supervisor over building trades, and retired from ACU in 1991. JT was a faithful member of the Church of Christ. He attended Northside Church of Christ for many years, and for the last 40+ years, was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ.

JT was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Lou, a sister, Rita Edwards of Abilene, daughters Donna Boatwright and husband Tommy of Burleson TX, Lanna Tabor and husband Bobby of Seminole TX, and Mindy Neuman and husband Jesse of Fritch, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michelle Goff and husband Philip, Michael Boatwright and wife Missi, Melanie Horne and husband Eric, Rustin Tabor and wife Tara, Tara Carter and husband Jeremy, Brandi Wright and husband Steven, Tallon Benson, Garret Benson and wife Hope, and 14 great-grandchildren. JT will be greatly missed by his many extended family and friends.

Donations may be made in memory of JT to Hendrick Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .