John L. “Buck” Dixon, Jr.
April 28, 1941 – April 10, 2012

John L. “Buck” Dixon, Jr., 70, of Elm City passed away on Tuesday.  Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Wilson.  Interment will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Elm City.  The Rev. Steve Stephenson and Dr. Douglas Murray will officiate.

The family will receive friends 6 - 9 p.m. Thursday at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway and other times at 5120 Pridgen Road, Elm City.

Buck was born to the late John L. Dixon, Sr. and Nellie Dawes Dixon, April 28, 1941 in Wilson, NC.  Buck spent his early childhood in Elm City, moving with his family to Bradenton, Fla., when he was ten years old.  He graduated from Manatee High School in Bradenton in 1960.  He attended Atlantic Christian College before joining the U.S. Army, serving 1960 – 1963.  Following his military service, he lived in St. Louis, MO for a short time where he worked for McDonnell Douglas.  He returned to Elm City in 1963 and began working for Durward Stancil as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic, a trade he learned while in the Army. He eventually opened his own refrigeration and air conditioning business.  In 1969, Buck became the owner of Silver Lake Oyster Bar which is still in business today.

Buck was a husband, father, successful businessman, and a friend to many people in many places.  He was a longtime fan of the Washington Redskins, an accomplished fisherman and golfer, and was a true Southerner who loved to grow his own vegetables.  A generous philanthropist, Buck frequently donated time and money to numerous charities, got great satisfaction in privately supporting personal acquaintances in need and as an employer, he served as a mentor and friend to many employees.  An active participant in the Wilson community, Buck served as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the N.C. Restaurant Association, the Wilson County Small Business Association and the Wilson County Health Department.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Adna Leigh (Janie) Pridgen Dixon, and his brother James Dawes Dixon. 

He is survived by his wife Cindy Boyette Dixon of the home; daughters, Lisa Dixon Lowery (Ashley) of Wilson, Mary Lynne Dixon Carraway (Mark) of Elm City, Deborah Dixon Dion (Christian) of Garner, NC, Renee Dixon Brown (Robbie) of Wilson; stepson, William Lester Woolard of Elm City.  Buck is survived by his sisters, Mollie Dawes Kluge (Larry) of Elm City and Sarah Rose Dixon and Nellie Jane Vick both of Wilson.  Buck was granddaddy to seven grandchildren; Grey, Daniel, Avery Rose, Genevieve, Ethan, Joshua and Rachel.  Buck also leaves behind the dogs he loved, Stinky, Runt and Bo.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be directed to www.joyners.net