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Ronald "Ronnie" Andrew Dixon, I

Vidalia, GA

April 18, 1942 - April 1, 2020

Apr 18, 1942 - Apr 1, 2020

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Mayor Ronnie A. Dixon, Sr., age 77, of Vidalia died Wednesday, April 1, 2020, in Meadows Health of Vidalia after a brief illness. He was a lifelong resident of Vidalia and a 1960 graduate of Vidalia High School where he was selected as an All-State Back-of-the-Year in Class B football. He received a football scholarship from Florida State University, later transferring to the University of Georgia where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He served in both the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.

Mayor Dixon and his family operated the Pontiac, Olds, Buick, GMC dealership for many years before he became a realtor in 1988. He pursued that career until the present and was a successful businessman.

Active in Vidalia politics for decades, Mr. Dixon was on the Vidalia City Council from 1978 until 1994 when he was elected Mayor and served in that capacity until his death. He was dedicated to the city of Vidalia and worked diligently to improve the community. During his tenure as mayor, he was a member of the Georgia Municipal Association and was recently inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Vidalia First United Methodist Church, where he was previously on the Usher Committee, and was in the Vidalia Rotary Club.

Those who knew Ronnie were aware of his total devotion to the University of Georgia Bulldogs. A proud, lifetime fan, he had an extensive wardrobe of red and black that he sported year-round. His home includes a “Dog Room” decorated with everything UGA and Bulldog memorabilia. Absolutely nothing interfered with watching the “Dawgs” play in Athens, where he enjoyed tailgating with family and friends. He even named his cat Kirby in honor of the Bulldog football coach. He also enjoyed his lake house and fishing on Lake Oconee as well as playing golf.

Another past time he relished was kidding around and pulling pranks, always with a twinkle in his eye and a wry grin. He was also “The Grill Master”, specializing in steaks and sausage. He was also known for cooking huge amounts of bacon and making his special crab stew. But none of his interests could begin to compete with his favorite role of all-being Papa to his grandchildren.

Mayor Dixon was preceded in death by his parents, Mayor Hugh M. Dixon and Myrtice Dixon Young, as well as a brother Reverend Bobby R. Dixon and a sister-in-law Joyce H. Scarabin.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sandy Eason Dixon, along with three sons: Ronald Andrew “Rad” Dixon, Jr. of Woodstock, Hugh Mitchell Dixon and wife Sarah of Cumming, and Randy Michael Dixon and wife Maggie of Marietta. His five grandchildren include Landon and Sutton Dixon of Woodstock, Ellie Blanken of Cumming, and Calhoun and Mills Dixon of Marietta. Mayor Dixon is also survived by one brother, Wendell H. Dixon and wife Elaine of Vidalia; three sisters-in-law: Betty Dixon of Vidalia, Kathy E. Mercer and husband Jimmy of Woodstock and Deborah E. Watkins of Hazlehurst; one brother-in-law, Kenny Hutto of Waycross and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be held in the near future at Lakeview Memorial Gardens and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Vidalia First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 150, Vidalia, GA 30475.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Best Friends Animal Society.

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